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EDISON 

Phonograph   Monthly 


EXACT  REPRODUCTION 

By 

Wendell  Moore 

First  Edition 
November  1988 


MR.  EDISON  ON  THE  EVE  OF  HIS  SIXTY-SEVENTH  BIRTHDAY 


1914  VOLUME  XII  NUMBER  1 

BOOK  NUMBER  SCC 


{JJamMM.17} 


e-tyd 


I'LL  iid1? 


Preface 


fhec£sual  observer,  and  even  the  steadfast  Edison 
observer,  it  appears  that  Edison  is  putting  all  of  his  con- 
fidence in  the  Diamond  Disc  in  this  new  year  of  1914. 
It  is  true  that  in  the  disc  he  has  found  a  more  perfect 
sound  reproduction  and  also  a  machine  that  answers  the 
need  of  being  more  competitive  than  in  the  past  4  or  5 
years — but  it  is  somewhat  a  surprise  to  see  that  he  has 
apparently  turned  his  back  on  the  cylinder.  This  seems 
apparent  in  the  first  4  months  of  the  E.P.M.,  but  in  May, 
Mr.  Edison  hastens  to  set  the  records  straight— the 
cylinder  will  NOT  be  abandoned. 

Another  fact — that  the  public  does  prefer  a  disc 
machine — eventually  will  lead  to  his  issuance  of  a 
separate  publication  for  it — and  at  the  same  time,  go- 
ing on  with  the  E.P.M.  However,  in  February  of  1917  the 
name  will  be  changed  to  the  Edison  Amberola  Monthly. 

In  the  past  years,  as  we  go  through  the  E.P.M.,  we  find 
many  discrepancies  and  mistakes — most  are  corrected  of 
course — but  all  in  all  we  have  a  very  good  accounting  of 
what  Mr.  Edison  was  really  like.  E.P.M.  was  not  intended 
to  be  a  chronicle  for  posterity— rather  a  month  to  month 
effort  to  link  Mr.  Edison's  activities  with  the  rest  of  the 
world.  No  one — especially  T.  A.  Edison — could  even 
dream  that  all  issues  of  E.P.M.  would  be  reprinted  for 
world  examination  75  years  later. 

No  matter  how  incidental  the  subject  matter  was  then, 
that  information  is  of  monumental  importance  to  us" 
now. 

Again — our  thanks  must  go  to  our  dear  friend — 
"Mac"  McMillion. 


Wendell  Moore 


THE  MUSICAL  IDEALS  OF 
THOMAS  A.  EDISON 

One  of  the  rare  occasions  on  which  Mr.  Edison  has  ex' 
pressed  his  views  in  writing  was  when  the  Editor  of  The 
Etude  asked  him  to  state  his  opinion  concerning  the  essential' 
ness  of  music.  Mr.  Edison's  reply  is  recognized  as  an  impor' 
tant  contribution  to  the  literature  of  music  and  the  following 
quotation  will  reveal  the  high  ideals  by  which  he  has  been 
actuated  in  the  development  of  the  New  Edison,  "The 
Phonograph  With  a  Sour': 

"Mere  existence  demands  nothing  but  food,  drink,  clothing  and 
shelter.  But  when  you  attempt  to  raise  existence  to  a  higher  plane, 
you  have  to  nourish  the  brain  as  well  as  the  body.  I  don't  think 
there  is  any  sane  person  who  would  say  that  books  are  unessential 
to  the  maintenance  of  our  civilization  in  America.  Yet,  after  its 
school  days,  probably  less  than  one'fourth  of  our  population  reads 
with  serious  purpose.  Music  is  more  essential  than  literature,  for 
the  very  simple  reason  that  music  is  capable  of  releasing  in  practically 
every  human  mind,  enlightening  and  ennobling  thoughts  that  literature 
evokes  in  only  the  most  erudite  minds. 

"Music,  next  to  religion,  is  the  mind's  greatest  solace,  and  also  its 
greatest  inspiration.  The  history  of  the  woild  shows  that  lofty  aspira' 
tions  find  vent  in  music,  and  that  music,  in  turn,  helps  to  inspire  such 
aspirations  in  others." 

Could  the  importance  of  good  music  in  your  home  be  more 
impressively  described  than  in  the  foregoing  characteristically 
succinct  statement  by  Mr.  Edison  ? 

The  research  work  which  culminated  in  this  wonderful 
instrument,  so  appropriately  called  "The  Phonograph  With  a 
Soul,"  began  several  years  ago.    Mr.  Edison  said  to  his  associ' 


ates: — "Let  us  try  to  develop  an  instrument  which  will  be  so 
perfect  that  its  reproduction  of  music  cannot  be  detected  from 
the  original  music." 

Although,  on  previous  occasions,  they  had  seen  Mr.  Edison 
achieve  the  seemingly  impossible,  his  subordinates  shook  their 
heads  this  time,  as  they  believed  he  had,  for  once,  undertaken 
what  would  prove  impossible,  even  for  an  Edison,  to  accomplish. 
So  it  seemed  for  a  considerable  time — a  number  of  years,  in  fact. 
However,  Mr.  Edison  was  not  discouraged.  He  worked  night 
and  day.  Literally  thousands  of  new  and  unheard  of  experi- 
ments were  tried.  Problems  of  acoustics  and  chemistry,  for 
which  no  solutions  were  known,  had  to  be  solved.  Perhaps  it 
is  not  too  much  to  say  that  there  is  probably  no  living  inventor, 
except  Thomas  A.  Edison,  who  would  not  have  surrendered  his 
ideals  in  the  face  of  the  seemingly  insurmountable  obstacles 
which  were  encountered  in  this,  now  famous,  scientific  struggle 
for  musical  perfection  in  the  phonograph.  Success  did  not 
reward  his  efforts  until  Mr.  Edison  had  spent  more  than  three 
million  dollars  in  research  work,  but  complete  success  did  finally 
come.  One  day  Mr.  Edison,  tired  and  disheveled,  but  triumphant, 
pointed  to  an  instrument  and  said  to  his  men  of  business: — 'Tve 
got  it.  That  gives  the  true  result.  Try  it  against  the  human 
voice  and  see  if  you  can  tell  the  difference." 

The  model  to  which  Mr.  Edison  so  proudly  pointed  on  that 
musically  historic  day  is  now  known  as  "The  Official  Laboratory 
Model,  The  Three  Million  Dollar  Phonograph."  Duplicates  of 
this  three  million  dollar  phonograph,  encased  in  artistic  period 
cabinets  and  made  from  the  choicest  woods  by  skilful  furni- 
ture craftsmen,  can  be  bought  by  you  today.      Thus  has 


come  the  realization  of  Mr.  Edison's  ideals  and  the  accomplish- 
ment of  his  ambition  to  give  you,  in  your  own  home,  the  world's 
best  music  by  the  world's  greatest  artists,  exactly  as  it  is.  heard 
when  they  appear  upon  the  opera  stage  or  concert  platformc 

YOUR  SHARE  IN  MR.  EDISON'S  GREAT 
ACCOMPLISHMENT 

Mr.  Edison  developed  this  wonderful  phonograph  for  you, 
in  order  that  your  music  hunger  may  be  appeased  by  the  best 
there  is  in  music,  truly  and  adequately  interpreted.  Nature  has 
implanted  in  every  human  heart  a  love  for  music  and  a  suscep* 
tibility  to  the  good  influence  of  music.  Always,  intense  feeling 
seeks  to  translate  itself  into  music.  Those  who  have  the  gift, 
compose  music;  those  who  can  sing,  instinctively  burst  into 
song ;  those  who  cannot  make  music,  love  to  listen  to  it  in  times 
of  mental  stress. 

Music  is  a  comfort  and  solace,  but  more  than  that,  it  is  an 
universal  language  which  reveals  inspiring  thoughts  to  an  inner 
human  consciousness  which  cannot  be  reached  by  the  spoken 
word.  The  discourse  of  an  eloquent  clergyman  interprets  the 
doctrinal  and  the  logical  aspects  of  religion,  but  the  swelling 
chorus  of  a  majestic  hymn  carries  into  the  depths  of  the  soul  a 
comprehension  and  conviction  which  no  preacher  can  convey. 

The  stirring  strains  of  "The  Marseillaise"  give  such  a  concept 
tion  of  the  passionate  patriotism  of  the  French  nation  as  no  his- 
tory  can  impart.  Or  take  "Madelon,"  the  famous  marching  song 
of  the  French  soldiers  in  the  recent  war;  nothing  could  give  a 
better  appreciation  of  the  Frenchman's  irrepressible  gallantry  and 


gaiety,  in  combination  with  that  inflexible  determination  which 
was  shown  on  so  many  occasions  during  the  war,  as  for  example 
at  Verdun,  where  thousands  of  Frenchmen  grimly  laid  down 
their  lives  to  make  good  that  heroic  and  now  historic  promise 
to  the  world: — "They  shall  not  pass" 

One  might  almost  say: — "If  you  know  'The  Marseillaise*  and 
'Madelon,'  you  know  France." 

Music — good  music — is  a  food  for  the  soul,  an  inspiration 
to  the  imagination  and  an  influence  which  lifts  the  mind  upward 
and  impels  it  onward  toward  an  appreciation  and  comprehension  of 
those  things  which  color  and  beautify  the  skein  of  life's  existence. 

But  we  must  also  remember  that  life  is  not  all  serious.  It 
is  important  that  we  have  our  play-times.  The  gay  songs  of 
the  cabarets  and  the  lively  dance  tunes  which  make  our  thoughts 
dance  joyously,  no  matter  how  still  our  feet  may  be,  are  not  to 
be  despised.  They  have  their  place  in  the  human  scheme  of 
things.    There  is  music  for  every  need  and  every  mood. 

Music  makes  your  life  and  your  home  better  and  happier. 
You  cannot  have  too  much  music  in  your  home.  Members  of 
your  family  who  sing  or  play  should  be  encouraged.  The  gift 
of  making  music  is  a  divine  gift.  However,  there  is  no  house 
hold  whose  members  can  supply  all  of  the  music  needed  in  that 
household.  The  gigantic  task  which  Mr.  Edison  undertook 
was  to  meet  this  greater  need  by  developing  a  phonograph  which 
would  give  not  a  mere  mechanical  travesty  on  fine  music,  but, 
instead,  an  absolutely  perfect  reproduction,  so  exact  in  its  realism 
that  reproduction  and  original  could  not  be  told  apart. 

The  genius  of  Mr.  Edison,  his  indefatigable  labors  and  lavish 
expenditure  of  money  in  research  work  and  experiments,  have 


produced  the  New  Edison,  "The  Phonograph  With  a  Soul," — 
the  greatest  of  all  musical  instruments,  because  it  requires  no  skill 
in  operation  and  is  always  ready  to  give  each  member  of  the 
family  exactly  the  kind  of  music  desired,  precisely  as  that  music 
is  rendered  in  the  world's  most  famous  musical  centers. 

THE  FURNITURE  VALUE  OF 
EDISON  CABINETS 

The  growth  of  knowledge  concerning  good  furniture  has  been 
rapid  in  this  country  during  the  past  ten  years.  It  is  now  recog' 
nized  by  practically  everyone  that  the  golden  age  of  furniture 
design  ended  with  the  eighteenth  century.  The  fame  of  master 
designers,  such  as  Chippendale,  Sheraton  and  Heppelwhite, 
endures  like  the  fame  of  Shakespeare.  Their  genius  imparted 
to  their  furniture  such  grace  and  beauty  that  cultured  people 
nowadays  demand  its  reproduction  or  adaptation  for  modern  uses. 
The  Edison  Laboratories  were  the  first  to  execute  replicas  of  his- 
toric cabinets  to  be  used  as  phonograph  cases.  One  day,  Mr. 
Edison  said: — "If  period  cabinets  are  desired  by  people  who  are 
willing  to  pay  several  thousand  dollars  for  an  Edison  Phonograph, 
why  not  put  all  Edison  Phonographs  into  period  cases  and  let 
everyone  have  the  best  there  is  in  cabinet  design?" 

Mr.  Edison's  suggestion  has  been  carried  into  effect.  Amer- 
ica's best  furniture  architects  were  employed  and  today  (with  the 
exception  of  one  model  for  special  use)  each  and  every  New 
Edison,  no  matter  what  its  cost,  is  encased  in  a  beautiful  period 
cabinet. 


1914  "Highlights"  of  Vol.  12    240  pages. 

No.  1  Jan. 

Photo  of  Harry  Lauder 

Pushing  the  4  minute  attachment. 

Blue  Amberol  records— Mar.  list. 

Dia.  Disc  record  list. 

No.  2  Feb. 

Mr.  Edison's  photo  at  67. 

An  interview  with  Mr.  Edison  by  Cosmopolitan. 

Photo  of  a  carload  of  Disc  phonographs. 

Blue  Amberol  records— April  list. 

No.  3  Mar. 

Blue  Amberol  records — May  list. 

No.  4  Apr. 

Why  we  smile? 

New  Diamond  Disc  records. 

Diamond  reproducers  can  be  damaged. 

Dealer  questions  on  Disc  operation  answered. 

Blue  Amberol  records — June  list. 

No.  5  May 

Edison  denies  rumor  of  discontinuing  cylinder 

program. 

Dealer  questions  answered— technical  data. 

Blue  Amberol  records — July  list. 

No.  6  June 

List  of  Walter  VanBrunts  cylinder  records. 

Edison  answers  critics  of  the  Disc 

Dealers  questions  answered. 

Blue  Amberol  records— Aug.  list. 

No.  7  July 

The  Blue  Amberol  out  of  doors. 

Edison  passes  judgement  on  bad  habit  of  cigarettes. 

Edison  Dia.  Disc— Its  difference  is  its  superiority. 

Amberola  X-  Model  D  introduced. 

Blue  Amberol  records— Sept.  list. 

Nov.  8  Aug. 

Second  annual  "Grand  Prix  Edison" 

Main  spring  specs  on  all  Edison  phonos — 

(Very  good). 

Buy  an  Edison  for  $10.00  per  Mo.  (6%  interest) 

Stage  fright  before  the  phonograph! 

Blue  Amberol  records— Oct.  list. 

No.  9  Sept. 

Who's  who  among  Edison  jobbers. 

No.  10  Oct. 

Indian  school  boys  recording  native  songs. 

Special  Dia.  Disc  sales  record. 

No.  11  Nov. 

Thomas  Chalmers  recording  session  described. 

Soldiers  sing  "Its  a  Long  Way  to  Tipperary" 

Blue  Amberol  records— Dec.  list. 

No.  12  Dec. 

Blue  Amberol  records— Jan.  list. 

ISBN  0-934281-61-0 

13*  EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH 


MONTHLY 


<©£  EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY 


CONTENTS  FOR 

PAGE 

Edison  Booming 2 

Happiness,  a  New  Year  Asset 4 

The  Edison  Disc  Wins  Again  in  a  Competi- 
tive Recital 4 

1913— Farewell 4 

Lauder  Receiving  35,625  a  Week 5 

Helen  Keller  Enjoys  the  Disc 5 

Mr.  Edison  Hard  at  It  Again 5 

Jacque's  Urlus 5 

A  Drop  of  Oil 5 

Who's    Who    Among    Edison    Joocers — ■ 

Pardee-Ellenberger  Co.,  Inc 6 

How  to  Promote  Closer  Relations  Between 

Jobber  and  Dealer 7 


JANUARY,   1914 

PAGE 

The  Special  Ten  Record  Attachment  Propo- 
sition   8 

Wilmot's  a  Busy  Place 9 

New  Edison  Dealers 9 

Gold  Medals  Awarded 9 

Hardman,  Peck  &  Co 9 

Suspended  List 9 

Two  More  New  Edison  Artists 10 

Blue  Amberols  for  March 11 

Edison  Disc  Records 12 

Catalog  of  Advertising  Cuts 15 

Edison  Jobbers 16 


EDISON  BOOMING  ALL  ALONG  THE  LINE 


Happy  New  Year! 


Jobbers  and  dealers  will  find  enclosed  with  this 
issue  of  the  Monthly  a  supplementary  list  of  50 
British  Blue  Amberol  Selections,  Nos.  23101  to 
23140  inclusive,  and  23151  to  23160  inclusive. 
Numbers  23141  to  23150  will  be  issued  later. 

Four  carloads  of  instruments  left  the  Edison 
works  on  December  1st  for  the  Minnesota  Phono- 
graph Company,  in  Minneapolis.  Three  were  car- 
loads of  high  class  goods  of  #150  and  upward  types, 
and  one  carload  of  small  Edison  instruments. 


Seventy-five  per  cent  gain  in  Edison  sales  has 
been  experienced  of  late  by  the  Milwaukee  Phono- 
graph Company.  Wm.  Schmidt,  general  manager, 
reports  a  large  array  of  dealers  in  the  State  who 
have  signed  up  for  Edison  goods.  Some  especially 
fine  orders  are  reported. 


No  greater  Edison  enthusiast  exists  than  A.  L. 
Bailey,  sole  owner  of  a  chain  of  eleven  fine  piano 
stores  throughout  Vermont  and  New  Hampshire. 
His  store  at  Burlington,  Vt.,  is  a  fine  illustration  of 
a  completely  equipped  music  house.  There  is  a 
recital  hall  in  miniature  on  the  lower  floor,  where 
frequent  concerts  are  heard,  and  where  Burling- 
tonites  find  a  hearty  welcome.  Several  sales  of 
the  more  expensive  types  of  Edison  are  reported. 


At  St.  Johnsbury,  another  of  Mr.  Bailey's  stores 
several  recitals  have  been  heard.  At  one  of  these 
a  gushing  society  lady,  who  talks  largely  in  terms 
of  grand  opera,  could  not  say  enough  in  commenda- 
tion of  "the  superb  record  by  Schumann-Heink 
which  she  had  just  heard  on  the  Edison  Disc." 
(But  the  record  she  really  heard  was  by  Christine 
Miller). 


Read  what  Mr.  Silliman  says  on  the  Relations  of 
Jobber  and  Dealer.     Page  7. 

The  Saturday  afternoon  concerts  held  by  The 
Silverstone  Music  Co.,  St.  Louis,  are  a  "tremendous 
success."  It  has  become  necessary  to  have  overflow 
concerts"  on  another  floor.  They  are  playing  to 
full  houses.    The  Edison  line  is  well  received. 


George  Lincoln  Parker  of  Boston,  has  specially 
featured  the  New  Edison  Disc  and  reports  busi- 
ness so  greatly  increased  that  he  has  had  to  secure 
two  large  rooms  in  the  same  building  for  demonstra- 
tion purposes.  This  suite  is  devoted  exclusively 
to  the  Edison.     It  is  beautifully  furnished. 


The  Office  Specialty  Company  of  Boston  has 
been  doing  a  large  Edison  business  for  some  time, 
but  the  recent  acquisition  of  the  Edison  disc  has 
obliged  it  to  secure  additional  room  on  the  third 
floor  of  the  same  building  as  their  store. 


At  the  Boston  office  of  Pardee-Ellenberger  Com- 
pany, everyone  is  being  rushed  to  his  full  capacity 
and  Edison  Disc  Phonographs  are  in  great  demand 
all  over  New  England.  Moreover,  several  of  the 
higher  priced  styles  (particularly  the  Circassian 
Walnut),  have  been  ordered  on  first  hearing. 

Ex-Governor  Mead  of  Rutland,  Vt.,  has  pur- 
chased a  #250  Edison  Disc.  This  was  the  instru- 
ment placed  by  W.  M.  Bradley,  the  Edison  repre- 
sentative there,  in  the  Governor's  home  at  the 
time  of  a  recent  visit  to  his  house  of  ex-President 
Taft.  Mr.  Taft  was  very  much  pleased  with  the 
Edison  and  doubtless  so  impressed  the  ex-Governor 
that  the  sale  was  a  foregone  conclusion.  That's 
the  way  to  do  it! 


THE    EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH    MONTHLY 

Published  in  the  interest  of 

EDISON  PHONOGRAPHS  AND  RECORDS 

BY 

THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  Inc. 
ORANGE,  N.  J.,  U.  S.  A. 

THOMAS  A.   EDISON,  LTD.,  25  CLERKENWELL  ROAD,   LONDON.  E.  C. 

THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  LTD.,  364-372  KENT  STREET,  SYDNEY,  N.  S.  W. 

COMPANIA  EDISON  HISPANO-AMERICANA,  VIAMONTE  515,  BUENOS  AIRES. 

EDISON  GESELLSCHAFT,  M.  B.  H.  10  FRIEDRICHSTRASSE,  BERLIN. 

COMPAGNIE  FRANCAISE  THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  59  RUE  DES  PETITF.S-ECURIES,  PARIS. 


Volume  XII 


JANUARY,  1914 


Number  1 


HAPPINESS  AS  A  NEW  YEAR  ASSET 

WITH  THE  EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  AS  ITS  BEST 
EXPONENT  IN  THE  HOME 


WHEN,  in  days  gone  by,  Mr.  Edison, 
with  characteristic  largeness  of 
heart,  declared  that  he  wanted  to  see 
a  phonograph  in  every  home,  he  capi- 
talized Happiness,  and  invited  whoso- 
ever would,  to  become  co-partners  with 
him  in  its  dissemination. 

You  can't  weigh  a  phonograph  in  terms 
of  dollars  and  cents;  it  must  be  placed 
upon  the  same  scales  as  patriotism,  love 
of  home,  love  of  kindred;  for,  it's  not  the 
instrument  itself,  however  beautifully 
encased,  that  gives  it  worth;  it's  the 
atmosphere  it  creates  in  the  home! 

What  makes  a  patriot?  What  gives  a 
man  valor  when  there  comes  a  call  to 
arms?  What  fortifies  a  mother  when 
distress  threatens  the  home?  What,  but 
the  memory  of  the  many  happy  hours 
spent  in  the  home,  and  the  knowledge, 
born  of  sacrifice  and  experience,  which 
enables  them  to  place  a  real  value  on  it 
and  its  associations,  knowing  that  from 
such  a  happy  home  come  strong  men 
and  women. 


The  best  war-footing  for  any  nation  is 
to  create  and  maintain  happy  homes. 
The  best  bulwark  for  personal  integrity 
is  happy  childhood,  where  life  gets  its 
right  impetus. 

The  songless  home  is  apt  to  be  the  weak 
home;  it's  the  home,  usually,  where  you 
find  people  discussing  whether  life  is 
worth  living;  it's  the  home  where  the 
boy  and  girl,  finding  no  fund  of  happi- 
ness, seek  their  pleasures  in  questionable 
places  of  amusement;  it's  too  often  the 
average  farm  home  where  life  is  unrelieved 
by  any  ready-at-hand  enjoyment.  The 
songless  home  does  not  mould  strong  charac- 
ters. 

The  coming  of  a  phonograph  into  such 
a  home — into  any  home — is  an  event 
that  means  almost  as  much  as  the  com- 
ing of  another  bright,  happy  soul  into 
the  family.  It  is  more  to  that  family 
circle  than  the  chance  acquaintanceship 
of  some  neighbor  who  can  entertain  at 
times  by  a  song  or  an  instrumental  selec- 
tion.     It's   the  friend  of    all    the  family 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JANUARY,  1914 


and  the  favorite  of  each  one  in  his  indi- 
vidual tastes  and  capacity.  It's  an  asset 
that  can  be  drawn  upon  for  many  a  happy 
hour. 

A  still  keener  enjoyment  now  awaits 
the  cultured,  musical  home  this  year  than 
ever  before.  The  coming  of  the  Edison 
disc  means  not  only  an  abundance  of 
the  best  music  but  the  exquisite  pleasure 
of  hearing  different  artists  sing  the  same 
or  similar  pieces,  and  noting  their  excel- 
lencies. It  opens  up  a  new  field  of  study 
in  the  best  music  faultlessly  rendered. 
In  the  cultured  home  here  is  a  new  asset 
that  can  be  drawn  upon  for  many  a  happy 
hour. 

So  we  might  continue  to  speak  of  Hap- 
piness as  a  New  Year  Asset,  in  the 
humble  and  in  the  cultured  home,  and 
of  the  Edison  phonograph  as  its  best 
exponent.  The  possibility  of  happy 
homes  today  has  reached  the  high-water 
mark  in  the  perfection  of  the  Edison 
cylinder  and  disc  phonographs. 

Gentlemen,  Mr.  Jobber,  Mr.  Dealer, 
you  are  co-partners  with  Mr.  Edison  in 
the  dissemination  of  Happiness,  in  the 
creation  of  happy  homes.  It's  a  task 
that  calls  for  a  happy  heart,  a  glad  hand 
and  a  winning  smile,  for  if  the  Edison 
is  a  good  thing  (and  you  know  it  is)  it 
has  made  you  happy  by  its  fund  of  Hap- 
piness.     May  it  also  bring  you 

A  PROSPEROUS  NEW  YEAR  ! 

AGAIN  THE  DISC  WINS  IN  A 
COMPETITIVE  RECITAL 

IN  Lowell,  Mass.,  The  Washington  Club,  one  of 
the  most  aristocratic  organizations  of  the  city, 
decided  to  purchase  a  talking  machine.  There 
was  so  much  discussion  among  the  members  as  to 
the  particular  kind  which  should  be  selected,  that 
it  was  decided  to  have  the  representatives  of  the 
Edison  and  other  makes  appear  before  the  club 
some  evening  and  conduct  a  competitive  recital. 
Each  was  well  represented,  both  as  regards  the 
operator  and  the  records.  After  a  strenuous  battle- 
royal  for  three  hours,  in  which  many  fine  selections 
were  heard,  a  vote  was  taken  with  the  Edison  far 
in  advance.  By  a  rising  vote  at  midnight  the 
motion  was  carried  to  declare  the  Edison  Disc  the 
unanimous  choice. 


1913— FAREWELL  ! 
A  MOST  PROSPEROUS  YEAR! 

A  CAREFUL  and  conservative  review  of  the 
phonograph  business  during  the  past  year 
demonstrates,  beyond  a  peradventure,  that 
it  has  been  the  most  successful  the  trade  has  ever 
enjoyed.  NINETEEN  THIRTEEN  has  broken 
all  records;  even  the  record  breaking  figures  of 
1912.  Every  phase  of  the  industry  has  shown  a 
distinct  advance — the  financial  stability  of  those 
in  the  trade  rates  higher  today  than  ever  before; 
better  salesmen,  on  the  whole,  are  now  actively 
engaged  and  a  better  understanding  exists  all 
along  the  line — between  factory  and  jobber;  be- 
tween the  jobber  and  dealer;  between  the  dealer 
and  purchaser.  The  sale  of  records  has  been  phe- 
nomenal; the  demand  for  Edison  Disc  records 
has  been  so  insatiable  that  even  with  increased 
output  in  the  factory  we  are  unable  to  keep  any- 
where near  abreast  of  orders. 

Another  encouraging  sign  of  the  times  is  that 
large  and  influential  piano  houses — notably  Hard- 
man,  Peck  &  Company,  New  York  and  Brooklyn — 
have  taken  up  the  Edison  Disc  and  devoted  much 
space  to  it  and  put  on  special  salesmen  to  handle 
it.  They  recognize  it  as  a  musical  instrument,  and 
therefore  a  legitimate  part  of  their  broader  equip- 
ment. 

The  prospects  for  still  greater  advance  during 
1914  were  never  so  bright.  Reports  show  that  the 
Edison  line,  both  Cylinder  and  Disc,  is  much 
appreciated  by  a  discriminating  public.  The  sales 
of  the  Disc  show  that  a  wealthy  and  musical  clientele 
is  now  buying  phonographs.  The  types  most  in 
favor  are  the  more  expensive  cabinets.  The  3250 
Disc  seems  to  be  the  general  favorite  while  the 
calls  for  the  still  more  expensive  types  form  a  con- 
siderable number  of  the  bulk  of  the  orders. 

The  fact  that  several  large  and  important  dealers 
have  voluntarily  given  up  the  handling  of  all  except 
the  Edison  line  is  one  of  the  best  indications,  from 
a  business  standpoint,  that  the  Edison  is  meeting  a 
real  demand  for  a  superior  musical  instrument  and 
is  most  satisfactory  when  sold.  In  several 
instances  the  simple  playing  of  the  Edison  Disc, 
after  other  machines  have  been  heard,  was  enough 
to  change  a  prospect's  original  intention  to  acquire 
other  than  the  Edison,- to  a  reconsideration,  with  a 
final  result  that  an  Edison  was  selected  at  even  a 
higher  figure  than  contemplated  when  entering  the 
store. 

NINETEEN  FOURTEEN  opens  most  auspi- 
ciously for  both  lines  of  Edison  instruments. 

NOW,  FOR  A  GREATER,  FAR  GREATER 
RESULT  THAN  THE  YEAR  JUST  CLOSED  ! 


Don't  wait  for  a   gold  mine  to  be  discovered. 
The  gold  to  be  had  comes  from  hard,  genuine  work. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JANUARY,  1914 


LAUDER  RECEIVING  35,625  A 
WEEK! 

Harry  Lauder,  the  highest  paid  entertainer  in 
-the  world,  has  just  secured  an  engagement  at 
Glasgow,  Scotland,  at  the  princely  weekly  emolu- 
ment of  £  1,125.  (35,625  per  week)\  Just  think  of 
it!  And  yet  the  Edison  Phonograph  enthusiast 
can  hear  some  of  these  same  Scotch  songs  of  Lauder's 
for  50  cents  a  piece!  The  Lauder  records  have 
been  exceptionally  well  recorded  and  are  clear  and 
true.     We  have  already  issued  five. 

"Happiness  as  an  Asset"  with  Mr.  Lauder  is  of 
a  very  substantial  kind.  "  It  pays  to  be  happy," 
doubtless  is  his  foremost  maxim! 


HELEN  KELLER  ENJOYS  THE  DISC 
AT  THE   EDISON  RESIDENCE 

BY  special  invitation  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Edison 
an  opportunity  was  afforded  Miss  Keller  on 
December  14th  to  enjoy  the  Edison  Disc 
under  the  most  favorable  circumstances.  As  it  was 
only  recently  reported  that  Miss  Keller  could  ap- 
preciate musical  vibrations  at  all,  we  were  much  in- 
terested in  this  experience  at  the  Edison  home.  At 
no  time  could  it  be  said  that  she  "heard"  the  disc; 
the  vibrations  of  the  music,  particularly  ragtime 
and  band  music,  were  conveyed  to  her  by  her 
fingers  upon  the  crown  of  a  silk  hat  placed  with 
the  horn.  From  the  expressions  of  delight  on  her 
face,  it  was  evident  she  enjoyed  for  the  first  time 
the  vibrations  of  some  of  the  finest  disc  records. 
She  was  charmed  with  the  instrument  and  with  its 
marvelous  power  to  reproduce  music  so  sweetly. 
The  occasion  was  quite  a  memorable  one  and 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Edison  were  more  than  pleased 
with  the  success  of  their  endeavor  to  have  Miss 
Keller  fully  enjoy  the  Disc.  On  her  return  from 
the  West  Mr.  Edison  will  again  conduct  some 
experiments  along  the  Same  lines. 


MR.  EDISON  HARD  AT  IT  AGAIN! 

DESPITE  the  restraining  orders  of  his  phy- 
sician, who  attended  him  in  his  recent  slight 
illness,  Mr.  Edison  is  working  again  late  at 
night  in  his  labratory.  "Forty-five  years  in  the 
laboratory  has  so  tuned  me  to  hard  work  that  I'm 
sick  if  I'm  away  from  it,"  he  said  recently,  "and 
for  that  reason  I  will  never  take  another  vacation." 
Most  of  his  time  he  is  spending  in  his  chemical 
laboratory,  in  which  he  has  not  worked  for  any 
length  of  time  since  he  completed  his  storage 
battery.  He  says  he  will  not  rest  until  he  has  per- 
fected the  "talking  movie"  or  kinetophone.  "Before 
long  I  will  have  it  so  a  poor  man  and  his  family 
can  have  the  best  shows  and  operas  by  the  best 
actors  and  artists,  for  a  nickel."  Work  is  his  tonic 
and  he  is  never  happier  than  when  engaged  upon 
some  new  development  in  his  laboratory  experiments 
with  the  same  vigor  and  determination  and  keen 
enjoyment  as  when  ayoung  man. 


JACQUES  URLUS 

whose  portrait  in  stage  costume  we  give  on  the 
cover  page  of  this  issue  of  the  Monthly,  is  one  of 
the  world's  famous  dramatic  tenors.  His  specialty 
is  Wagner,  his  favorite  roles  being,  Siegfried, 
Tristan,  Siegmund,  Walther  Stolzing  (Meister- 
singer).  He  made  his  debut  at  the  Metropolitan 
opera  house  in  1912  and  scored  a  great  success. 
He  excels  by  his  many  sided  qualities — beautiful 
tone  production,  purity  and  sweetness  of  voice, 
artistic  interpretation  and  high  class  acting.  He 
is  considered  now  the  greatest  Wagnerian  tenor. 
He  has  also  won  considerable  fame  as  a  concert 
singer,  giving  a  fine  interpretation  of  classical  and 
modern  songs.  The  press  is  enthusiastic  in  praise 
of  his  voice  and  his  acting. 

The    following     Edison     disc     records     are    by 
Jacques  Urlus: 
83011  Prieslied    (Prize    Song) — Die    Meistersinger 

{Wagner)  in  German  33.00. 

Sciliana  (O,  Lola,  Fair  as  Flowers  in  Beauty 

Smiling) — Cavalleria. 
83009  Rusticana   (Mascagni)   in  German,  33.00. 

83019  Das  Zauberlied  (The  Magic  Song)  {Meyer- 
Helmund) .  In  German,  orchestra  accompani- 
ment.    (Forthcoming;  not  yet  ready). 

83020  Sehnsucht  (Yearning)  (Rubenstein) .  In  Ger- 
man, orchestra  accompaniment.  (Forthcom- 
ing; not  yet  ready). 

83021  Murmelndes  Luftchen  (Murmuring  Zephyr) 
(Jensen).  In  German,  orchestra  accompani- 
ment. 


A  DROP  OF  OIL 

is  needed  occasionally  on  the  ivory  tips  of  the 
governor  of  the  Disc.  This  will  improve  the  regu- 
lation and  do  away  with  any  irregularity  in  speed. 
Try  it  and  you  will  be  surprised  what  an  improve- 
ment results. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JANUARY,  1914 


WHO'S  WHO  AMONG  EDISON  JOBBERS 


FIRST  ARTICLE: 


WITH  a  view  to  even  closer  fellowship  than  can  be  pro- 
moted by  Jobber's  Convention,  we  have  planned  a  series 
of  articles  on  the  above  topic  and  invited  Edison  Job- 
bers to  furnish  original  papers,  each  one  taking  some  phrase  of  the 
phonograph  wholesale  line  that  will  prove  helpful  to  all  Jobbers 
and  Dealers.  We  hope  to  precede  the  formal  paper  with  a 
brief  outline  of  each  House's  career;  how  it  started;  its  growth, 
and  to  what  it  attributes  its  success.  In  this  way  it  is  possible 
we  may  obtain  some  facts  that  will  be  highly  encouraging  to 
the  new  Dealer  just  about  to  start  in  the  Edison  line.  In  the 
articles  themselves   we  trust  the  various  Jobbers   who  write, 


will  form  a  sort  of  "round  table"  for  the  interchange  of  help- 
ful experiences,  policies  and  plans. 

The  opening  article  appears  below,  very  appropriately  upon 
the  broad  subject  of  "How  to  Promote  Closer  Relations  Be- 
tween Jobber  and  Dealer."  Next  month,  Mr.  Louis  Buehn 
of  Philadelphia  will  tell  how  to  handle  the  difficult  problems  of 
"Credits."  Mr.  H.  H.  Blish,  Mr.  Laurence  Lucker,  Mr.  E.  W. 
Kipp  and  a  number  of  others  have  expressed  their  desire 
to  join  us  in  these  articles  and  we  are  hoping  the  series  may 
be  not  only  interesting  to  Jobber  and  Dealer  alike,  but  tend 
to  bring  them  both  closer  together  in  a  perfect  understanding. 
—  The  Editor. 


Guy  R.  Coner 
Salesman 


F.  T.  Keeney 
Salesman 


F.  H.  Ripley 
Salesman 


PARDEE-ELLENBERGER  CO.,  INC. 

94  State  Street,  New  Haven,  Conn. 

66  Batterymarch  Street,  Boston,  Mass. 

''Exclusively  Edison'  Jobbers 


That  large  things  have  their  beginning  in  a  small 
way  was  never  more  evidenced  than  in  the  incep- 
tion of  the  Pardee-Ellenberger  Company.  It  was 
away  back  in  1896  that  this  company  was  organ- 
ized with  a  capital  of  twenty-five  hundred  dollars 
and  it  has  always  been  a  great  matter  of  pride  to 
them  that  this  represents  the  only  cash  or  any 
other  investment  that  was  ever  made  in  the  Com- 
pany and  that  their  business  to-day  is  the  growth 


and  expansion  of  that  insignificant  amount.  In 
March  of  that  year  they  hung  up  their  sign  and 
opened  the  doors  of  a  little  store,  fifteen  by  thirty- 
five  feet,  in  one  of  New  Haven's  side  streets,  with 
more  enthusiasm  than  capital  but  with  the  feeling 
that  they  had  started  right.  While  their  business  the 
first  two  years  was  not  phenomenal,  nerve  was  not 
lacking  and  at  the  end  of  that  time  they  moved 
into    larger    quarters.      Looking    back    now    it    is 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JANUARY,  1914 


rather  amusing  when  they  recall  that  the  size  of 
the  new  store  seemed  so  overwhelmingly  large  that 
they  considered  sub-letting  a  portion  of  it  although, 
as  a  matter  of  fact,  this  was  never  done. 

Their  first  order  for  phonograph  goods  consisted 
of  twenty-five  machines  and  seven  hundred  and 
fifty  records,  which  was  "going  some"  in  those  days. 
If  they  had  followed  the  caution  of  their  friends 
they  probably  would  never  have  made  this  plunge, 
as  they  were  advised  that  the  phonograph  was 
simply  a  novelty  and  the  market  practically  sup- 
plied. When,  a  few  years  later,  they  sold  in  a 
single  twelve  months  over  half  a  million  of  records 
and  over  three  thousand  machines  they  felt  that 
their  action  had  been  justified.  Each  succeeding 
year  showed  a  remarkable  increase  and  the  store 
which  had  at  first  seemed  so  large  became  entirely 
inadequate  and  it  was  necessary  to  find  larger 
quarters.  In  1906  the  building  at  96  State  St., 
New  Haven,  Connecticut,  was  purchased,  where 
they  still  continue  to  serve  their  dealers  who  are 
located  in  the  southern  portion  of  New  England. 
This  is  in  the  heart  of  the  wholesale  district,  very 
spacious  and  well  adapted  for  their  needs. 

Satisfied  that  they  could  expand  their  busi- 
ness by  reaching  into  new  fields,  their  Boston 
office  was  opened  up  in  the  summer  of  1911,  with 
Mr.  F.  H.  Silliman  in  charge.  Quarters  were 
selected  at  Franklin  and  Batterymarch  Sts.,  an 
admirable  location  for  wholesale  business  owing 
to  the  fact  that  it  is  the  center  of  the  express  and 
shipping  facilities,  enabling  them  to  serve  their 
customers  with  every  degree  of  promptness.  The 
growth  at  this  point  has  been  most  gratifying  and 
the  increase  month  after  month  has  been  remarkable. 

To-day,  from  both  their  New  Haven  and  Boston 
offices,  their  travellers  cover  all  six  of  the  New 
England  States  and  the  Edison  dealer  who  has  not 
heard  of  nor  been  impressed  by  The  P.  E.  "Prompt 
Efficient  Co.,"  service  is  difficult  to  find. 

There  are  three  things  which  have  contributed 
largely  to  their  success  and  have  been  important 
factors: 

1st.  The  selection  of  an  exceptional  sales  force; 
the  rare  good  fortune  in  procuring  men  of  excep- 
tional qualities  who  have  had  the  interest  of  the 
house  at  heart,  first,  last  and  all  the  time. 

2d.  The  policy  of  fair  treatment  and  good  ser- 
vice to  their  dealers. 

3d.  The  right  kind  of  goods  and  confidence  in 
them. 


HOW  TO  PROMOTE  CLOSER  RELA- 
TIONS BETWEEN  JOBBER 
AND  DEALER 

By  F.  H.  Silliman,  of  Pardee-Ellenberger  Co. 

MANY    men    prominent    in    the    Phonograph 
Trade   have   discussed   this  subject  at  var- 
ious   times.      It  is  of  great  importance  to 
both  Jobber  and  Dealer,   and  one  open  to  much 
difference  of  opinion. 

From  my  own  observation,   covering  a  number 
of   years    as    a    traveling    salesman,    and    later    as 


manager  of  traveling  men,  I  am  firmly  convinced 
that  one  of  the  best  ways  the  Jobber  can  promote 
closer  relations  with  his  Dealers  is  to  have  the  right 
kind  of  men  on  his  traveling  force,  calling  at  regu- 
lar intervals  on  the  Dealer. 

The  kind  of  traveling  man  I  have  in  mind, 
studies  his  territory  in  a  thoroughly  scientific  man- 
ner, and  knows  the  particular  requirements  of 
each  individual  Dealer  that  he  calls  upon.  He  is  of 
great  help  to  his  Dealers;  they  look  to  him  for 
suggestions;  he  often  arranges  their  advertising 
and  shows  them  how  to  display  their  line  to  the 
best  possible  advantage.  He  is  the  Dealer's  right 
hand  man,  often  standing  between  him  and  the 
Jobber  on  the  matter  of  credits;  for  the  credit 
man  must  rely  to  a  considerable  extent  on  the  travel- 
ing man's  thorough  knowledge  of  his  Dealers. 

The  right  kind  of  a  traveling  man  will  fight  for 
his  house  to  the  last  ditch  when  on  the  road,  and 
when  he  gets  to  the  office  will  fight  for  his  Dealer's 
interests  in  the  same  manner.  In  a  large  territory, 
very  few  Dealers  get  to  know  anyone  connected 
with  the  Jobbing  House  but  the  traveling  man, 
and  the  impression  he  gets  of  the  traveling  man  is 
his  impression  of  the  whole  concern.  Often  a 
Dealer  will  have  a  prospective  customer  for  a 
high-price  phonograph  which  he  cannot  close. 
Here  is  where  the  traveling  man  should  shine  to 
advantage,  both  for  the  Dealer  and  the  firm  he 
represents.  He  should  devote  enough  of  his  time, 
and  the  time  of  the  Jobber  who  employs  him,  to 
make  this  sale  that  the  Dealer  is  unable  to  close. 
This  should  be  comparatively  easy  for  the  traveling 
man,  as  the  prospect  is  bound  to  be  impressed  by 
one  who  represents  the  Jobber.  The  traveling 
man  has  a  mind  full  of  similar  cases,  and  his  sales 
talk  is  bound  to  be  more  impressive  than  any  talk 
the  Dealer  could  give.  If  the  sale  is  made,  the 
Jobber  has  certainly  helped  the  Dealer  and  pro- 
moted a  closer  relation  between  them  both. 

What  the  new  Dealer  needs  is  education;  and 
speaking  for  ourselves,  we  teach  him.  Our  sales- 
men are  not  only  salesmen  in  every  sense  of  the 
word,  but  are  business  advisors.  As  an  institu- 
tion, we  are  trained  to  act  as  the  new  Dealer's 
counsel;  to  advise  him  about  the  technical  features 
of  the  machines;  to  instruct  him  on  the  scope  of 
the  records  and  their  value  as  a  permanent  monthly 
income;  to  assist  him  in  writing  advertisements 
and  in  the  promotion  of  business;  to  help  him 
secure  a  firm  footing  on  the  rocky  ledge  of  credits; 
to  show  him  about  window  displays,  advertising 
and  other  publicity;  and  in  fact,  aid  him  in  a  hun- 
dred and  one  ways  for  the  successful  growth  of  his 
business. 

What  all  Jobbers  and  Jobbers'  assistants  should 
remember  is  that  there  is  a  great  deal  more  than 
the  bare  sale  of  goods  to  the  Dealer;  and  when 
they  do  bear  this  clearly  in  mind  they  will  find 
retail  distribution  on  a  more  efficient  basis;  and 
after  all,  it  is  the  retail  sales  that  count  with  the 
Jobber. 


" Edison  Exclusively"  and  "Exclusively  Wholesale" 
has  been  the  policy  to  which  they  owe  a  good 
share  of  their  success.  Keeping  ever  in  mind  the 
goods  they  had  to  offer,  having  implicit  faith  in 
Edison  quality,  and  Edison  treatment,  they  have 
never  lost  sight  of  the  fact  that  their  end  of  the 
line  was  wholesale  only.  This  has  enabled  them 
to  concentrate  all  their  own  and  their  sales  force's 
effort's  upon  a  definite  and  distinct  proposition. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JANUARY,  1914 


PUSH    THE    FOUR-MINUTE    AT- 
TACHMENT OFFER 

THOUSANDS  of  Edison  Phonograph  owners 
have  not  yet  experienced  the  pleasure  of  hear- 
ing the  Blue  Amberol  Record.  They  own  an 
Edison — but  it's  the  two-minute  machine;  or  .they 
own  a  four-minute  machine  that  has  a  sapphire 
reproducer.  Doubtless  many  of  these  peope  have 
allowed  their  Edison  to  lapse  into  disuse,  for  we 
cannot  conceive  of  an  Edison  enthusiast  continuing 
to  play  wax  records  to  the  exclusion  of  the  Blue 
Amberols.  The  trouble  is  right  here;  they  don't 
know  of  the  attachment  for  playing  Blue  Amberols; 
they  think  they  must  discard  their  present  machine 
and  buy  an  entire  new  equipment,  and  they  are 
not  prepared  to  expend  the  money  to  do  so. 

Here's  where  the  Fishing  is  good!  Instead  of 
talking  an  expense  of  #50  or  more  for  an  Edison 
phonograph  and  convincing  them  that  the  Edison 
is  best,  all  you  have  to  do  is  to  play  a  few  Blue 
Amberols  and  let  them  hear  them!  Then  talk 
Attachment  and  actually  show  them  that  they  will 
get  Ten  Special  Blue  Amberols  in  the  offer  without 
additional  charge — virtually  a  gift  of  $5.00.  By 
converting  then  you  add  a  permanent  customer  for 
records.  It's  well  worth  the  trouble.  Now  that 
the  holiday  rush  is  over  why  not  get  after  these 
people?  We  give  below  a  draft  of  a  letter  (in  case 
you  can't  call  personally)  and  we  will  be  pleased  to 
supply  as  many  Ten  Special  Record  Attachment 
circulars  as  you  can  use. 

Draft  of  Letter  to  Those  Who  Should  Have  the  Edison 

Attachment  Put  on  Their  Two  Minute  Machines 
Dear  Sir: 

We  understand  that  you  have  an  Edison  Phonograph  with 
several  wax  records,  and  that,  as  yet,  you  have  not  had  the 
Attachment  placed  on  it  which  will  enable  you  to  play  the  new 
Blue  Amberol  Records. 

We  have  a  proposition  to  make  you.  The  attachment 
referred  to  is  a  small  device,  easily  applied,  that  converts 
your  machine  into  an  up  to  date  one,  and  gives  you  a  whole 
list  of  Blue  Amberol  Records  to  select  from,  while  not  obliging 
you  to  discard  the  wax  records  you  already  have. 

This  attachment  costs  (including  a  Diamond  Point  Repro- 
ducer) from  310.75  to  313.75  according  to  the  type  of  Edison 
Machine  it  is  to  be  adjusted  to;  some  types  requiring  more 
adjustment  than  others. 

To  induce  you  to  have  this  attachment  placed  on  your 
machine  we  offer  you  without  extra  charge  Ten  Special  Blue 
Amberol  Records,  which  cannot  be  had  in  any  other  way. 
They  are  not  listed.  They  are  exceptionally  fine!  This  reduces 
the  cost  of  the  attachment  practically  35.00  as  these  records 
would  sell  for  50  cents  each.  This  is  a  Special  Offer  open  only 
for  a  limited  time  and  is  made  solely  to  induce  you  to  have 
the  attachment  put  on. 

The  Blue  Amberol  Record  is  vastly  superior  to  the  wax, 
being  clearer  and  harder.  It  shows  practically  no  wear  by 
repeated  use,  and  is  unbreakable. 

The  New  Diamond  Point  reproducer  is  included  with  each 
attachment  (except  for  the  Gem). 

Our  representative  (  )  will 

gladly  explain  this  attachment  and  see  that  it  is  put  on  your 
machine  properly,  and  also  see  that  you  get  the  Ten  Records. 

Do  not  neglect  this  opportunity  to  bring  your  Edison  up  to 
date.     Hear  the  Blue  Amberol  and  then  you  will  appreciate 
the  importance  of  having  your  machine  adjusted  to  play  it. 
Yours  very  truly, 

Still  another  good  fishing  ground:  Get  after 
those  who  have  a  sapphire  but  not  a  diamond 
point  reproducer.  We  will  supply  plenty  of  Dia- 
mond Point  Reproducer  circulars. 


PUSHING   THE    EDISON    LINE    IN 
DENVER 

THE  Denver  Dry  Goods  Co.  has  been  a  jobber 
of  the  Edison  Phonograph  since  1895,  and  it 
was  among  the  first  concerns  to  take  on  the  disc 
line,  the  initial  shipment  having  arrived  in  Novem- 
ber, 1912.  This  store  shows  complete  lines  of  models 
and  finishes  in  both  cylinder  and  disc  types,  and 
they  are  handsomely  displayed  in  parlors  and 
booths  on  the  fourth  floor,  facing  the  elevators, 
an  especially  advantageous  location,  as  hundreds 
of  Denver's  most  prosperous  and  exclusive  people 
patronize  the  tea  room  and  must  take  the  elevator 
here.  Demonstrations  are  conducted  here  daily 
from  9.30  to  5  o'clock,  and  in  addition  a  3200  disc 
model  is  kept  in  the  tea  room  for  the  entertainment 
of  guests.  Instrumental  selections  are  played  at 
request  and  the  machine  is  in  almost  constant 
operation  during  lunch  hours.  Those  who  ask  for 
vocal  selections  are  requested  to  hear  them  in  the 
demonstration  parlors.  Many  sales  have  material- 
ized from  the  interest  aroused  through  these  tea 
room  demonstrations. 

The  phonograph  department,  wholesale  and 
retail,  is  in  charge  of  W.  C.  Wyatt,  a  real  Edison 
enthusiast,  and  a  firm  believer  in  persistent  demon- 
stration at  both  store  and  home.  He  wants  con- 
stant, creditable  window  display  and  he  co-operates 
actively  and  interestedly  with  both  dealers  and 
individual  purchasers  toward  obtaining  perfectly 
satisfactory  results.  At  present  the  greatest  effort 
is  given  to  the  disc  line,  and  it  is  being  received 
with  favor  so  marked  that  its  immediate  and  im- 
mense success  is  assured. 


ONE  OF  THE  KIND   OF  DEALERS 
WE  WANT  EVERYWHERE 

OUT  in  Monmouth,  111.,  a  town  of  some  ten 
thousand  population,  is  our  enterprising 
C.  J.  Moore,  who,  in  addition  to  handling  a 
full  line  of  sporting  goods,  motor  cylces,  etc.,  has 
a  very  active  department  of  Edison  Phonographs 
and  Records.  Our  representative  reported  that 
Mr.  Moore  had  some  sixteen  hundred  wax  records 
still  on  hand  and  several  of  the  horn  type  of  ma- 
chines, and  yet  felt  he  had  no  cause  to  complain 
as  he  was  confident  he  could  work  off  all  the  records 
and  machines.  Meanwhile  he  was  actively  pushing 
the  sale  of  the  Blue  Amberols  and  the  new  hornless 
models.  He  was  well  satisfied  with  the  fairness 
of  the  exchange  arrangement  for  the  wax  records, 
but  is  not  going  to  lie  down  and  take  that  way 
alone  of  reducing  his  old  stock.  He  is  pushing 
the  wax  records  and  horn  type  of  machines  and  feels 
that  they  offer  at  the  price  a  good  investment  for 
many  of  his  prospects.  Would  that  we  had  more 
of  such  dealers.  He  is  one  of  the  kind  of  dealers 
we  want  everywhere. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JANUARY,  1914 


A  FAMILIAR  OCCURRENCE  IN 
FALL  RIVER,  MASS. 

Last  month  we  spoke  of  W.  D.  Wilmot  of  Fall 
River  and  his  enterprising  method  of  advertising 
in  his  local  papers.  Mr.  Wilmot  reports  excellent 
business  during  the  Fall  months  and  particularly 
at  Holiday  time.  Mr.  Wilmot  gives  his  personal 
attention  to  closing  up  disc  and  cylinder  machine 
sales  and  rarely  ever  fails  to  land  an  earnest  inquirer 
for  an  Edison  phonograph.  Judging  by  the  above 
scene,  recently  taken,  we  think  Mr.  Wilmot  must 
be  on  the  right  track  in  the  phonograph  business. 
His  jobbers  say:  "Wilmot  is  a  veteran  in  the 
talking  machine  industry  and  his  judgment  is 
based  on  experience  and  an  analysis  of  the  future. 
What  Wilmot  is  doing,  every  dealer  can  do  in  his 
own  town,  if  he  sets  about  it  vigorously." 


EDISON  SCHOOL  PHONOGRAPH 
NOW  360 

A  MATERIAL  reduction  in  the  price  of  the 
Edison  School  Phonograph  has  been  an- 
nounced in  Sales  Department  Bulletin  146 
issued  Nov.  1st.  There  are  also  special  quotations 
given  for  school  phonographs  in  quantities  from 
five  to  twenty.  Any  dealer  who  has  not  yet  received 
this  Bulletin  should  apply  for  it  at  once.  The- 
new  prices  should  open  up  a  field  with  the  schools 
if  earnest  aggressive  efforts  are  put  forth. 


THE  EDISON  LINE  TO  BE 

HANDLED   BY 

HARDMAN,   PECK   &    CO., 

NEW   YORK   AND    BROOKLYN 

An  important  deal  long  under  consideration, 
has  been  closed  with  Hardman,  Peck  &  Co.,  the 
well-known  New  York  piano  house. 

When  all  arrangements  are  completed,  the  official 
home  of  the  Edison  disc  products  will  be  on  the 
fifth  floor  of  the  Hardman  building.  A  number 
of  sound-proof  demonstration  booths  are  now  being 
constructed,  and  when  these  are  finished  the  Edison 
disc  products  will  be  displayed  on  the  various  floors 
of  the  building.  It  is  hardly  necessary  to  state 
that  there  is  every  indication  of  the  Edison  line 
scoring  a  marked  success  with  Hardman,  Peck  & 
Co.,  as  this  company  caters  to  the  high  grade  and 
wealthy.  The  Hardman  house  is  located  in  the  very 
best,  high-class  shopping  district  of  New  York. 
A  complete  line  of  records  will  be  carried  in  stock 
at  all  times  at  both  locations. 


GOLD  MEDALS  AWARDED 

Both  the  cylinder  and  the  disc  types  of  Edison 
phonographs  received  gold  medal  awards  recently 
at  the  California  State  Fair  held  at  Sacramento. 
This  is  the  highest  award  possible,  and  the  State 
Fair,  an  annual  event,  ranks  first  in  great  Fairs  on 
the  Pacific  Coast. 


SUSPENDED  LIST  DEC.  15th 

Dealers  named  below  have  been  suspended  for 
violating  the  license  conditions  forming  part  of 
Dealers'  License  Agreements,  and  are  therefore 
no  longer  entitled  to  discounts  or  any  advantages 
whatever  under  said  agreement.  Jobbers  must  not 
accept  a  Dealer's  License  Agreement  from  any  of 
these,  or  supply  them  with  patented  Edison  phono- 
graphs, reproducers,  recorders  or  records  without 
first  communicating  with  the  Legal  Department 
of  Thomas  A.  Edison,  Inc.,  Orange,  N.  J. 

C.  H.  Wolfe,  Main  St.,  Keokuk,  Iowa. 

Evans  Bros.  Furniture  Co.,  Hillsboro,  Ills. 

A.  H.  Gruenstein,  New  Rockford,  N.  D. 

John  P.  Crumpler,  Harrison,  Ark. 


10 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JANUARY,  1914 


TWO  MORE  NEW  EDISON  ARTISTS 

IN  THE  MARCH  BLUE  AMBEROL  LIST 


EDMUND  A.  JAHN 
Baritone 


EDMUND  A.  JAHN 
Was  born  October  29th, 
1872,  of  German  par- 
ents, at  Wheeling,  W. 
Va.  His  musical  educa- 
tion is  entirely"  Ameri- 
can. Having  studied  at 
Cincinnati  College  of 
Music  under  W.  S. 
Sterling.  He  graduated 
from  this  college,  and 
received  the  Springer 
medal,  and  later  became 
a  member  of  the  Faculty, 
teaching  voice  there 
until  he  came  to  New- 
York  City,  having  re- 
for  the  larger  opportunity 
While  in  New  York, 
to 


signed    his    position 

New     York     affords 

Mr.    Jahn    says     he    was    fortunate    enough 

study  with  Mr.  Howard  Brown,  one  of  the  greatest 

teachers  in  America.     To  him  Mr.  Jahn  gives  the 

most  credit  for  his  success. 

Mr.  Jahn  occupies  a  unique  position  among  the 
artists.  He  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  foremost 
church  singers,  being  bass  soloist  at  the  St.  Nicholas 
Collegiate  Church,  48th  Street  and  5th  Avenue, 
New  York  City.  He  also  has  a  reputation  in  the 
concert  field  as  an  artist  of  fine  quality,  having 
appeared  in  festivals  and  concerts  throughout  the 
States. 

The  Press  has  highly  commended  his  work 
wherever  he  has  appeared.  Following  is  a  notice 
of  Mr.  Jahn  singing  at  the  Bach  Festival  at  Beth- 
lehem, Pa. 

"Mr.  Jahn  has  a  rich  bass  voice  with  a  sympa- 
thetic quality  that  at  once  communicates  itself 
to  the  audience.  His  emotions  are  dignified  and 
artistic,  his  phrasing  is  good  and  he  sings  with 
assured  musicianship." — The  Globe  of  Bethlehem,  Pa. 

Mr.  Jahn's  style  and  beauty  of  voice  is  a  reminder 
of  the  great  Max  Heinrich.  Punchinello,  in  the 
March  Blue  Amberol  List  (2180)  is  one  of  Hein- 
rich's  popular  songs.  In  this,  Mr.  Jahn  has  not 
imitated  Heinrich,  but  he  possesses  the  same 
scholarly  handling  of  the  voice  and  has  the  true 
gift  of  song.  Mr.  Jahn  specializes  in  Oratorio,  Con- 
cert and  Recital  German  Lied  and  Classic  mold 
of  song. 

A  great  pleasure  is  in  store  for  Edison  Blue 
Amberol  Record  owners  in  the  acquisition  of  Mr. 
Jahn  to  the  ranks  of  Edison  artists. 


GUSTAV  F.  HEIM 
Cornetist 


GUSTAV  F.  HEIM 
Gustav  F.  Heim  is 
acknowledged  as  one  of 
the  world's  greatest 
trumpeters.  He  was 
born  in  Schleusingen 
Thuringen,  Germany, 
May  8,  1879.  He  began 
the  study  of  music  at 
an  early  age  under  his 
father. 

Arriving  in  St.  Louis, 
he  was  engaged  to  play 
first  trumpet  with  the 
Choral  Symphony  So- 
ciety, Mr.  Alfred  Ernst, 
conductor.  Becoming 
acquainted  with  the  Committee  of  Music  of  the 
World's  Fair,  Mr.  Heim  was  engaged  by  Mr.  Stewart 
of  Boston,  Mass.,  (director  of  the  Music  Committee) 
to  play  solo  trumpet  with  the  World's  Fair  Orchestra 
of  eighty-five  members,  which  was  conducted  by 
different  leaders,  among  whom  were  Mr.  Karl 
Komzack  of  Vienna,  Mr.  Walter  Damrosch,  con- 
ductor of  the  New  York  Symphony  Orchestra, 
Mr.  Van  der  Stucken,  conductor  of  the  Cincinnati 
Symphony  Orchestra,  and  Mr.  Heuberger  of 
Vienna. 

The  Orchestra  played  in  the  Tyrolean  Alps  and 
the  Symphony  Concerts  in  Festival  Hall.  Among 
the  visitors  at  the  Fair  were  Mr.  Fritz  Scheel, 
late  conductor  of  the  Philadelphia  Symphony 
Orchestra.  He  procured  Mr.  Heim  to  play  first 
trumpet  in  the  Philadelphia  Orchestra,  which 
position  he  held  for  two  years.  When  Dr.  Carl 
Muck  of  the  Royal  Opera  Co.  of  Berlin  was  engaged 
by  Mr.  Higginson  to  conduct  the  Boston  Symphony 
Orchestra,  Mr.  Heim  was  engaged  for  first  trumpet. 

Philip  Hale,  the  noted  musical  writer  critic 
says  of  Mr.  Heim:  "Never  has  the  Boston  Sym- 
phony Orchestra  seemed  so  elastic,  so  dramatic, 
so  plastic  and  so  euphonious,  and  we  do  not  forget  the 
stirring  and  magnificent  performances  of  the  past. 
Each  member  shared  in  the  glory,  and  yet  it  is 
not  invidious  to  speak  of  Mr.  Heim's  superb  play- 
ing of  the  difficult  trumpet  part  in  the  first  move- 
ment, for  the  dramatic — we  had  almost  written 
theatrical — effect  of  many  pages  depends  upon  the 
skill  and  the  audacity  of  the  solo  trumpeter." 

Mr.  Heim  contributes  to  the  March  list  of  Blue 
Amberols   "Stabat  Mater — Inflammatus."    (2183). 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JANUARY,  1914 


11 


BLUE  AMBEROLS  FOR  MARCH 

To  be  on  sale  February  23d 
CONCERT  LIST 

75  cents  each  in  the  United  States;   $1.00  each  in  Canada 

28188  Maritana— In  Happy  Moments  {Wallace)  28190     Dearest  Name— Rigoletto  {Verdi) 

Thomas  Chalmers  Anna  Case 

Baritone  solo  Soprano  solo,  in  English 

28189  (a)  Volksliedchen  (Komzdk);  (b)  Bohemian      28191    The  Secret  (John  Prindle  Scott) 

Dance  {Kaessmayer)   The  Hoffman  Quartet  Orville  Harrold 

String  quartet  Tenor  solo 

REGULAR  LIST 

50  cents  each  in  the  United  States;  65  cents  each  in  Canada 


2179  Favorite   Airs   from   the   Mikado    {Gilbert 
and  Sullivan)  Edison  Light  Opera  Co. 

2180  Punchinello  {Molloy)  Edmund  A.  Jahn 

Baritone  solo 

2181  Love  is  a  Story  That's  Old— The  Madcap 
Duchess  {Herbert)  Mary  Carson 

Soprano  solo  and  chorus 

2182  You've  Got  Your  Mother's  Big  Blue  Eyes 
{Berlin)  Walter  Van  Brunt 

Tenor  solo 

2183  Stabat  Mater — Inflammatus  {Rossini) 

Gustav  F.  Heim 
Cornet  solo 


2184 

2185 

2186 

2187 
2188 
2189 

2190 
2191 
2192 
2193 

2194 


La  Boheme — Rudolph's  Narrative  {Puccini) 
Charles  W.  Harrison 
Tenor  solo 

Beautiful  Birds,  Sing  On  {Howe) 

Marie  Kaiser 
Soprano  solo 

The  Old  Clarinet— Oh  I  Say  {Gilbert) 

Empire  Vaudeville  Co. 
A  musical  farce  from  the  French 


Dream  Days  {Johnson) 
Tenor  solo 

You  Need  a  Rag  {Morse 
Male  voices 


Manuel  Romain 


Premier  Quartet 


Jesus,  I  Come  {Stebbins) 

John  Young  and  Fred'k.  J.  Wheeler 
Sacred.     Tenor  and  baritone  duet 

That's  How  I  Lost  Him  {Browne)  Ada  Jones 
Comic  song 

Fein  und  chic  Gavotte  {Franz  von  Blon) 

United  States  Marine  Band 

Aunt  Mandy     Billy  Golden  and  Joe  Hughes 
Vaudeville  specialty 

The  Battle  Eve  {Bonheur) 

Vernon  Archibald   and   Royal   Fish 
Baritone  and  tenor 

He'd  Have  to  Get  Under — Get  Out  and 
Get  Under  {Abrahams)  Billy  Murray 

Comic  song 


2195  Bonnie  Scotland  Medley — Variations  {Fred 
Lax)  Charles  Daab 

Xylophone  solo 

2196  There's  a  Girl  in  Arizona   {Irving  Berlin) 

George  Wilton  Ballard 
Tenor  solo 

2197  The  Pussy  Cat  Rag  {Daly  and  Allen) 

Peerless  Quartet  and  Ada  Jones 
Comic  song 

2198  Love  Has  Done  Wonders  for  Me  {Solman) 

Helen  Clark  and  Emory  B.  Randolph 
Contralto  and  tenor  duet 

2199  G.  A.  R.  Patrol  {Fassett) 

New  York  Military  Band 

2200  Who  Will  Be  With  You  When  I  Go  Away 
{Farrell) 

Arthur  Collins  and  Byron  G.  Harlan 
Coon  duet 

2201  Dixie  Days  {Fitzgibbon) 

Owen  J.  McCormack 
Baritone  solo  with  chorus 

2202  By  the  Old  Wishing  Well  {Sherman) 

Albert  H.  Campbell  and  Irving  Gillette 
Tenor  duet 

2203  Columbian  Exposition  March   {White) 

New  York  Military  Band 

2204  Dreams  of  Galilee  {C.  P.  Morrison) 

Edison  Mixed  Quartet 
Sacred.     Mixed  voices,  organ  accompaniment 
2200     Peg  o'  My  Heart  Medley— Turkey  Trot 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 

2206  Dreaming — Waltz  Hesitation   {Joyce) 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 

2207  Ma  Poulette  One-Step  {Roberts) 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 

2208  When  It's  Apple  Blossom  Time  in  Normandy 
Medley — Turkey  Trot 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 

2909     The  Dream  Tango  {Davis) 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 


12 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JANUARY,  1914 


EDISON    DISC   RECORDS 

We  give  below  a  list  of  Disc  records  issued  since  the  list  in  the  October  Monthly, 
for  the  convenience  of  readers  and  for  reference  purpose. 


50074 
50075 
50076 
50077 
50078 
50079 
50080 

50081 

50082 
50083 
50084 
50085 
50086 
50087 
50088 
50089 
50090 
50091 
50092 
50093 
50094 
50095 

50096 

50097 
50098 
50099 
50100 
50101 
50102 
50103 
50104 


Price,  $1.00  Each 

Gold  and  Silver  Waltz  (Lehdr)  For    dancing Brass  Orchestra 

Glory  of  the  Yankee  Navy  March  (Sousa) Brass  Orchestra 

Montrose  Two-Step  (Cogswell)  For  dancing Brass  Orchestra 

Les  Sirenes  Waltz  (Waldteujel) Brass  Orchestra 

Lustspiel  Overture  (Keler  B'ela) Brass  Orchestra 

It  Blew!  Blew!  Blew! — Schottische  (Johnson)  For  dancing Brass  Orchestra 

Dancing  in  the  Barn — Schottische.      For  dancing Brass  Orchestra 

Wiener  Bon-Bons  Waltz  (Strauss)  For  dancing Brass  Orchestra 

Fidelity  Two-Step  (Losey)  For  dancing Brass  Orchestra 

Orpheus  Overture  (Offenbach) Brass  and  String  Orchestra 

La  Bella  Argentina — Tango  (Roberto)  For  dancing Brass  Orchestra 

La  Rumba — Tango  (Brymn)  For  dancing Brass  Orchestra 

Spanish  Dances — 1  and  2  (Moszkowski) Brass  Orchestra 

Scarecrow  Dance  (Ringleben) Brass  and  String  Orchestra 

Officer  of  the  Day  Two-Step  (Hall-Alpert)  and  The  Hurricane  Two-Step  (Paull) 

Brass  Orchestra 

Tango  Land — Tango  (Lodge). Brass  Orchestra 

/You're  Just  Too  Sweet  to  Live  (Avery-Hart-Smith) Arthur  Collins  and  Byron  G.  Harlan 

Bake  Dat  Chicken  Pie  (Dumont) Arthur  Collins  and  Byron  G.  Harlan 

I  Love  the  Name  of  Mary  (Olcott  and  Ball)  Tenor Walter  Van  Brunt  and  Chorus 

Trail  of  the  Lonesome  Pine   (Carroll)  Tenor Walter  Van  Brunt  and  Chorus 

Charme  D'Amour — Valse  Lente  (Kenall) Brass  and  String  Orchestra 

The  Red  Man — Dwellers  in  the  Western  World  (Sousa) Brass  Orchestra 

Belle  of  New  York  March  and  2d  Regiment  Conn.  N.  G.  March  (Reeves) Brass  Orchestra 

Ben  Hur  Chariot  Race  March  (Paull) Brass  Orchestra 

Rose  Mousse  (Entr'acte  Valse)    (Bosc) String  Orchestra 

The  Black  Man — Dwellers  in  the  Western  World  (Sousa) Brass  Orchestra 

A  Rural  Festival — Barn  Dance  (Losey)  Brass  Orchestra 

In  the  Chalet  (Lange) Reed  Orchestra 

Hungarian  Lustspiel  Overture  (Keler-Bela) Brass  Orchestra 

Raymond  Overture  (Thomas) Brass  Orchestra 

La  Zingana — Mazurka  (Bohm) w String    Orchestra 

Kiss   Waltz — Merry  War   (Johann  Strauss) String  Orchestra 

The  Merry  Wives  of  Windsor  Overture  (Nicolai) Brass  Orchestra 

Hungarian  Serenade  (Joncieres) Brass  and  String  Orchestra 

Jolly  Fellows  Waltz  (Vollstedt) Brass  Orchestra 

Second  Valse  Brillante  (Godard) Brass  Orchestra 

Venetia — A   Spring   Song    (Tobani) String   Orchestra 

Sweet  Caress — Douce  Caresse  (Gillet) Reed  Orchestra 

Massaniello  Overture  (Auber) Brass  Orchestra 

Slavonic  Rhapsody  (Friedemann) Brass  and  String  Orchestra 

I  Wished  That  You  Belonged  to  Me  (Browne)  Tenor Walter  Van  Brunt  and  Chorus 

There  is  No  Love  Like  Mine   (Hirsch)  Soprano  and  Tenor.. ..Marie  Kaiser  and  Royal  Fish 

The  Horse  Trot  (Davis)  For  dancing Brass  Orchestra 

In  Cairo — Oriental  Patrol  (von  Blon) Brass  Orchestra 

Chiming  Bells  of  Long  Ago  (Shattuck)  Soprano Marie  Narelle  and  Chorus 

I  Dreamt  That  I  Dwelt  in  Marble  Halls — Bohemian  Girl  (Balfe)  Soprano 

Marie  Narelle  and  Chorus 

Broken    Melody    (van  Biene)    Violoncello Leo    Taussig 

Dream   of  the  Tyrolienne    (Labitsky) Instrumental   Quartet 

Polonaise — Mignon  (Thomas) , Brass  Orchestra 

In  a  Garden  of  Melody    (Sudds) Brass  Orchestra 

Carnival  of  Venice — Variations  (Paganini) Brass  and  String  Orchestra 

Valse — Arabesque  (Lack) Brass  Orchestra 

Any    Rags    (Allen) Arthur    Collins 

My  Bambazoo  (Snyder) Arthur  Collins  and  Byron  G.  Harlan 

Sleepy    Rose    (Andino) Walter    Van    Brunt 

With  Joy  My  Heart — Chimes  of  Normandy  (Planquette)  Baritone Marcus  Kellermann 

Mondaine — Valse-Berceuse    (Bosc) String  Orchestra 

Chanson  Russe — Russian  Fantasie  (Sydney  Smith) Brass  and  String  Orchestra 

Hear   Me,   Gentle   Maritana — Maritana    (Wallace)    Baritone Vernon   Archibald 

Pretty  Girl  Milking  Her  Cow  (Johnson)  Soprano Marie  Narelle  and  Chorus 

O,  Promise  Me — Robin  Hood  (de  Koven)  Fluegelhorn Anton    Weiss 

Ben  Bolt — Fantasia   (  Kneass)  Violin Albert  Weston 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JANUARY,  1914 


13 


80099 
80100 
80101 
80102 
80103 

80104 
80105 
80107 
80108 
80109 
80110 

8011H 
80112 


80113 
80114 


Price,  $1.50  Each 

Good-Rye  Sweet  Day  {Vannah)  Contralto Christine  Miller  and  Chorus 

In  Old  Madrid   (Tro'tere)  Tenor Reed  Miller  and  Chorus 

The  Rosary  {Nevin)  Contralto Christine  Miller  and  Chorus 

When  the  Robins  Nest  Again  (  Howard) , Soprano  and  Chorus 

Last  Rose  of  Summer — Martha   {Moore-Flotow)  Soprano Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Chorus 

Angus    MacDonald    {Roeckel)    Soprano Marie    Narelle    and    Chorus 

Malaguena — Spanish    Song    {Pagans)    Soprano Lucrezia    Bori 

Hark!  What  I  Tell  to  Thee — The  Spirit  Song  {Haydn),  Soprano  solo 

Valse — Juliet's  Waltz  Song — Romeo  et  Juliette   {Gounod).  In  English Marie  Kaiser 

Ah,  My  Son  (Oh,  mon  fils) — Le  Prophete  {Meyerbeer)  Contralto.     In  English 

Christine  Miller 

Dream  of  Home   {Herbert)   Mezzo-soprano Elizabeth  Spencer 

Sympathy — The  Firefly  {Friml)  Soprano  and  tenor. .Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Walter  Van  Brunt 

Funiculi-Funicula  {Denza)  Tenor Charles  W.  Harrison  and  Chorus 

Italian   Street   Song — Naughty   Marietta    {Herbert)    Soprano Marie    Kaiser   and   Chorus 

Nocturne  in   E   Flat    {Chopin)   Violoncello y.Hans   Kronold 

My  Heart  at  Thy  Sweet  Voice^Samson  et  Dalila   {Saint-Saens)  Violoncello. .Hans  Kronold 

A  Summer  Girl  {Sous a) Reed  Orchestra 

Whispering  Flowers   {vonBlon)  Reed  Orchestra 

Just  Plain  Folks  {Stonehill)  Soprano  and  baritone.. ..Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Vernon  Archibald 

Bendemeer's    Stream    {Moore)    Baritone Vernon    Archibald    and    Chorus 

Tarantelle    {Popper)    Violoncello Paulo    Gruppe 

Chant   sans   paroles    {Tschaikowsky)    Violoncello Paulo   Gruppe 

Farewell    to    Naples    {Cottrau)    Tenor Reed    Miller 

Poor  Wand'ring  One — Pirates  of  Penzance  {Gilbert  and  Sullivan)  Soprano 

Marie  Kaiser  and  Chorus 
Draw  Me  Nearer  {Crosby-Doane)  Tenor  and  Baritone 

John  Young,  Fred'k.  J.  Wheeler  and  Mixed  Chorus 

Crucific  {Faure)  Tenor  and  Baritone John  Young  and  Fred'k.  J.  Wheeler 

Come   Back   to   Erin    {Claribel) Mixed   Quartet 

Lullaby — Erminie   {Jakobowski)  Soprano Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Chorus 

In  Happy  Moments — Maritana   {Wallace)   Baritone Thomas  Chalmers 

The  Lover  and  the  Bird    {Guglielmo) Mixed  Quartet 


Price,  $2.00  Each 

(  Sweet  Form  That  in  My  Dreamy  Gaze — Lurline    {Wallace)  Tenor Albert  Quesnel 

82044  \  Your  Pardon,  Darling,  Forgive  Me — Heart  and  Hand  {Lecoq)  Soprano  and  Baritone 

[  Marie  Kaiser  and  Vernon  Archibald 

82045  O   Paradise — Die   Afrikanerin    {Meyerbeer)    Tenor,    in    German Heinrich   Hensel 

Price,  $2.50  Each 

82518  Mon  coeur  s'ouvre  a  ta  voix — Samson  et  Dalila  {Saint-Saens)  Contralto.    In  French  ^ 

Eleonora  de  Cisneros 

82519  Faites — lui  mes  aveaux — Faust   {Gounod)   Contralto  in  French Eleonora  de  Cisneros 


83004 
83005 
83006 
83007 
83008 
83009 
83010 
83011 
83012 

83013 
83014 


50106 
50107 
50108 


Price,  $3.00  Each 

Cielo  e  mar — La  Gioconda  {Ponchielli)  Tenor.     In  Italian Giuseppe  Anselmi 

Vissi  d'arte — La  Tosca   {Puccini)   Soprano.      In  Italian Carmen  Melis 

Una  furtiva  lagrima   {Donizetti)  Tenor.      In  Italian Alessandro  Bond 

Spirto  gentil — La  Favorita   {Donizetti)  Tenor.     In  Italian Giuseppe  Anselmi 

Vesti  la  giubba — Pagliacci   {Leoncavallo)  Tenor.      In  Italian Giuseppe  Anselmi 

Siciliana — Cavalleria    Rusticana    {Mascagni)    Tenor.      In   German Jacques   Urlus 

Marta — M'appari— Martha    {Flotow)    Tenor.      In    Italian Alessandro    Bonci 

Preislied    (Prize  Song)   Die  Meistersinger   {Wagner)   Tenor.    In  German Jacques  Urlus 

Fra  poco  a  me  ricovero — Lucia  di  Lammermoor  {Donizetti)  Tenor.     In  Italian 

Alessandro  Bonci 

La   donna   e    mobile — Rigoletto    {Verdi)    Tenor.     In   Italian  Alessandro   Bonci 

Otello — Piangea   cantando — Willow   Song    {Verdi)    Soprano.      In   Italian Aino  Ackte 

Additional  List  of  54  Edison  Diamond-Disc  Records 
Issued  December  10,   1913 

Price,  $1.00  in  the  United  States;  $1.25  in  Canada 

Crimson  Blushes  (Caprice),  {Lester) Brass  and  String  Orchestra 

Mazurka— Thecla  {Badarzewska) Reed  Orchestra 

Serenade  Espagnole  {Jungmann) Reed  Orchestra 

Magpie  and  the  Parrot — From  Suite,  A  Love  Episode  in  Birdland   {Bendix)  Humoresque 

Reed  Orchestra 

Vigoroso  March  {Losey) Brass  Orchestra 

Pizzicati— Sylvia  {Delibes) Brass  Orchestra 


14  EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JANUARY,  1914 


50109 
50110 

50111 

50112 
50113 

50114 

50115 
50116 
50117 
50118 
50119 
50120 
50121 
50122 
50123 
50124 

50125 

50126 
50127 
50128 
50129 
50130 
50131 
50132 


f  My  Heart  to  Thee  (Mon  coeur  a  Toi) — Souvenir  du  bal  {Bohm) Brass  Orchestra 

\  Bad'ner  Mad'ln  Waltz  (Girls  of  Baden),   {Komzdk) Brass  Orchestra 

f  Vals  poetico   {Villanueva) String  Orchestra 

1  Boton  de  Rosa  {Garcia) Brass  and  String  Orchestra 

f  In  the  Stilly  Night  (In  stiller  Nacht)   (Brinkmann)  Song  without  words 

Brass  and  String  Orchestra 

La  Perle  de  Madrid — Spanish  Waltz,  (Lamotte) Brass  and  String  Orchestra 

Little  Flatterer   (Schmeichelkatzchen)    {Eilenberg) Brass  Orchestra 

Invitation  to  the  Waltz  (Aufforderung  zum  Tanz)    {Von  Weber) Brass  Orchestra 

Valse  Fantastique  {Engelmann) Brass  and  String  Orchestra 

Dream  of  Autumn — Reverie-Serenade  {Losey) String  Orchestra 

When   It's   Apple   Blossom  Time  in  Normandy    {Mellor,  Gifford  and   Trevor),   Baritone 

orchestra  accompaniment Vernon   Archibald   and   Chorus 

We  Have  Much  to  Be  Thankful  For  {Berlin)  Tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment 

Walter  Van  Brunt  and  Chorus 
Naila  Intermezzo  (Waltz,  Pas  des  Fleurs),  from  the  ballet  La  Source  {Delibes)  Brass  Orchestra 
Aisha — Indian  Intermezzo,  from  Weber  &  Field's  All  Aboard   {Lindsay)    ....Brass  Orchestra 

My  Little  Persian  Rose  Medley.      For  dancing Brass  Orchestra 

Black  and  White  Rag   {Botsford) Brass  Orchestra 

Alita   (Wild  Flower)   {Losey) Brass  and  String  Orchestra 

In  the  Swing  (Balancelle)  Mazurka  de  Salon  {Wachs) Reed  Orchestra 

Feast  of  the  Flowers — Valse  Caprice  {Losey) String  Orchestra 

Au  Revoir — Romantic  Melody  {Sidney  Smith) String  Orchestra 

Mary  Emerson  Waltzes  {Losey) String  Orchestra 

Fadette-Impromptu  {Bohm) Reed  Orchestra 

May  is  Here  {Bohm) Reed  Orchestra 

Summer  Night  {Bohm) Reed  Orchestra 

Wedding  of  the  Fairies  Waltz   {Johnson) Reed  Orchestra 

Tristesse    {Sidney   Smith) Reed  Orchestra 

Little  Sweetheart  {Bohm) Reed  Orchestra 

Moorish  Serenade   {] ungmann) Reed  Orchestra 

Hungarian  Rag  {Lenzberg) Brass  Orchestra 

La  Catrera — Tango  {de  Bassi)  For  dancing Brass  Orchestra 

La  Gazza  Ladra  Overture   {Rossini) Brass  Orchestra 

Tendresse — Melodie  expressive   {Ravin a) Brass  Orchestra 

Urna    Fatale    del    mio    destino — La    Forza    del    Destino    {Verdi)    Violoncello,    orchestra 

accompaniment  Leo  Taussig 

Nina  {Pergole si-Popper),  Violoncello,  orchestra  accompaniment Leo  Taussig 

/  LTtaliana  in  Algeri  Overture  {Rossini) Brass  and  String  Orchestra 

Doux  Langage  (Bluette)   {Gillet) Reed  Orchestra 

Far  From  Thee     {Jungmann) String  Orchestra 

Fare  Thee  Well  {Brinkmann)  (Song  without  words) String  Orchestra 

Garden  of  Love — Caprice   {Ascher-Mahl) Brass  and  String  Orchestra 

Whispering  of  Love  {Von  Blon)  Characteristic String  Orchestra 

Beau    Brummel — Gavotte    {Bendix) Reed  Orchestra 

Spinning   Song    {Bohm) Reed  Orchestra 

(a)  Romanza  expresiva  {Schubert);  (b)  Historias  y  Cuentos — Jota  {Rubio).. String  Orchestra 

Entr'acte,  Act  I — Chimes  of  Normandy  {Planquette)  Brass  and  String  Orchestra 

Pagliacci    Selection    {Leoncavallo) Brass  Orchestra 

Bohemian  Girl  Overture  {Balfe) ...Brass  and  String  Orchestra 

Spring  of  Love    {Ehrich) Instrumental  Quartet 

Home,  Sweet  Home  the  World  Over  {Lampe) Brass  and  String  Orchestra 


Price,  $1.50  in  the  United  States;  $2.00  in  Canada 


Scenes  That  are  Brightest — Fantasia — Maritana   {Wallace)  Violin,  Orchestra  accompani-  _ 

ment Gregor    Skolnik 

Last  Rose  of  Summer  {Moore-Flotow)  Violin,  Violoncello,  Flute  and  Harp 

Venetian  Instrumental  Quartet 
Heart  Bow'd  Down — Bohemian  Girl  {Balfe)  Baritone.    In  English,  Orchestra  accompani- 
ment  Thomas    Chalmers 

Bonnie  Doon  (Ye  Banks  and  Braes)  {Burns)  Contralto,  Orchestra  accompaniment 

Christine  Miller  and  Chorus 
Just  Before  the  Battle,  Mother  {Root),  Tenor,  Orchestra  accompaniment 

Walter  Van  Brunt  and  Chorus 
Won't  You  Write  a  Letter,  Papa?   {Miller),  Tenor,  Orchestra  accompaniment 

Walter  Van  Brunt  and  Chorus 
801 19/  Depuis  le  jour  (Ever  since  the  day) — Louise  {Charpentier)  Soprano.    In  French,  Orchestra 

accompaniment Anna  Case 

Charmant  oiseau    (Thou  brilliant  bird) — La  Perle  du  Bresil   {David)   Soprano.  In  French 
Flute  obligato Anna  Case 


80116 


80117 


80118 


80120 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JANUARY,  1914  15 

(  On  Yonder  Rock  Reclining — Fra  Diavolo  (Auber)  Soprano  and  Tenor,  Orchestra  accom- 

80121  \       paniment Marie  Kaiser  and  Royal  Fish 

(  SoldierV  Chorus — Faust  (Gounod)  In  English,  Orchestra  accompaniment Opera  Co. 

(  Her  Bright  Smile  Haunts  Me  Still  (Wrighton)  Tenor,  Orchestra  accompaniment 

John  Young  and  Chorus 
Mar\-  (Kind  and  Gentle  is  She)   (Richardson),  Tenor,  Orchestra  accompaniment 

Reed  Miller 

Happy  Days   (Strelezki),   Soprano,  violin  and  violoncello  obligato Elizabeth  Spencer 

Take  Back  the  Heart   (Claribel)   Mezzo-soprano,  Orchestra  accompaniment 

Elizabeth  Spencer 
In  Turn  What  Say  You — Maritana   (Wallace),  Soprano  and   baritone,  Orchestra  accom- 
paniment  Marie    Kaiser   and    Vernon    Archibald 

The  Harp  That  Once  Thro'  Tara's  Halls  (Moore)  Soprano  and  chorus,  Orchestra    accom- 
paniment  Marie  Narelle  and  Chorus 


80122 


80123 


80124 


82047 
82048 


Price,  $2.00  in  the  United  States;  $2.50  in  Canada 

f  Hungarian  Dance — No.  7  (Brahms-Joachim)  Violin,  Piano  accompaniment. .Albert  Spalding 
82046  s  (a)    Schon    Rosmarin    (Kreisler);     (b)    L'Arlesienne — Suite — Intermezzo  {.Bizet)    Violin 

Piano  accompaniment Albert    Spalding 

'  Humoresque    (Dvorak)    Violin,    Piano    accompaniment Albert  Spalding 

Cavatina  (Raff),  Violin,  Piano  accompaniment Albert  Spalding 

Polonaise  in  A,  Op.  85,  No.  3  (Wieniawski),  Violin,  Piano  accompaniment.... Albert  Spalding 
Hungarian  Dance — No.  ^(Brahms-Joachim),  Violin,  Piano  accompaniment..  Albert  Spalding 

82049  The  Skylark   (Yaw),  Soprano,  Orchestra  accompaniment Ellen  Beach  Yaw 

82050  Torna  a  Surriento  (de  Curtis),  Soprano.  In  Italian,  Orchestra  accompaniment.. Carmen  Melis 

82051  Standchen   (Serenade)    (Schubert),  Tenor.  In  German,  Orchestra  accompaniment 

Heinrich  Hensel 
Price,  $2.50  in  the  United  States;  $3.25  in  Canada 

82520  All'udir  del  sistro  il  suon  (Hark  the  Zithern's  joyous  sound) — Carmen  (Bizet),  Contralto. 

In  Italian,  Orchestra  accompaniment Eleonora   de   Cisneros 

82521  Ah!    quel  giorno  (Live  this  day) — Semiramide  (Rossini)  Contralto.  In  Italian,  Orchestra 

accompaniment Eleonora  de  Cisneros 

82522  Nobil    Signori,    salute — Les    Huguenots    (Meyerbeer),    Contralto.    In    Italian,    Orchestra 

accompaniment Eleonora   de   Cisneros 

82523  Stride  la  vampa — II  Trovatore  (Verdi)  Contralto.  In  Italian,  Orchestra  accompaniment 

Eleonora  de  Cisneros 

82524  Voce  di  donna — La  Gioconda  (Ponchielli),  Contralto.  In  Italian,  Orchestra  accompaniment 

Eleonora  de  Cisneros 

82525  Suicido — Gioconda    (Ponchielli),   Soprano.    In   Italian,    Orchestra   accompaniment 

Emmy  Destinn 
Price,  $3.00  in  the  United  States;  $3.75  in  Canada 

83016  Standchen   (Serenade),   (Strauss),  Tenor.  In  German,  Orchestra  accompaniment 

Jacques  Urlus 

83017  Mein   Lieber   Schwan    (My  trusty  swan)    Lohengrin's  Abschied — Lohengrin    (Wagner), 

Tenor.  In  German,  Orchestra  accompaniment Jacques    Urlus 

83018  Tu  che  a  Dio  spiegasti  l'ali  (Thou  hast  spread  thy  wings) — Lucia  di  Lammermoor  (Donizetti) 

Tenor.  In  Italian,  Orchestra  accompaniment Giuseppe  Anselmi 

83019  Das    Zauberlied    (The    Magic    Song),    Meyer- Helmund,    Tenor.    In    German,    Orchestra 

accompaniment Jacques  Urlus 

83020  Sehnsucht  (Yearnings)  (Rubinstein),  Tenor.  In  German,  Orchestra  accompaniment 

Jacques  Urlus 

83021  Murmelndes    Lviftchen    (Murmuring   Zephyr)    (Jensen),   Tenor.    In   German,    Orchestra 

accompaniment Jacques  Urlus 

ADVERTISING  CUTS 

We  have  just  printed  a  "Catalog  of  Advertising  Cuts"  which  are 
available  to  the  Trade  for  advertising  purposes.  We  desire  every 
dealer  who  is  now  advertising,  or  who  contemplates  doing  so,  to  have 
a  copy  of  this  Catalog  and  learn  upon  what  conditions  he  may  have 
some  of  the  cuts  shown  in  it. 

In  this  issue  of  the  Monthly  we  are  enclosing  a  post  card,  which 
only  needs  signing  and  returning  to  us  to  receive  a  copy  of  this,  free,  by 
mail.  We  want  every  live  dealer  to  mail  one  of  these  cards  to  us  and 
we  desire  to  furnish  all  such  dealers  with  as  many  cuts  as  they  can  use 
to  advantage. 


Jobbers  of 
Edison  Phonographs  and    Records 


DISC  AND  CYLINDER 

CALIFORNIA 
Los  Angeles — Southern  California  Music  Co. 
San  Francisco — Pacific  Phonograph  Co. 

COLORADO 

Denver — Denver  Dry  Goods  Co. 

CONNECTICUT 
New  Haven — Pardee-Ellenberger  Co. 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago — The  Phonograph  Co. 

INDIANA 
Indianapolis — Kipp-Link  Phonograph  Co. 

IOWA 
Des  Moines — Harger  &  Blish. 

MAINE 
Bangor — S.  L.  Crosby  Co. 
Portland — Portland  Sporting  Goods  Co. 

MASSACHUSETTS 
Boston — Pardee-Ellenberger  Co. 
MICHIGAN 
Detroit — American  Phonograph  Co. 

MINNESOTA 
Minneapolis — Laurence  H.  Lucker. 

MISSOURI 
St.  Louis — Silverstone  Music  Co. 

MONTANA 
Helena — Montana  Phonograph  Co. 

NEBRASKA 
Omaha — Shultz  Bros. 

NEW  JERSEY 
Hoboken — Eclipse  Phonograph  Co. 

NEW  YORK 
Gloversville — American  Phonograph  Co. 
Oswego — Frank  E.  Bolway. 

OHIO 
Cincinnati — The  Phonograph  Co. 
Cleveland — The  Phonograph  Co. 
Toledo — Hayes  Music  Co. 

OREGON 
Portland — Graves  Music  Co. 

PENNSYLVANIA 
Pittsburgh — Buehn  Phonograph  Co. 

WlLLIAMSPORT W.  A.  MYERS. 

TENNESSEE 
Memphis — Atwood  Phonograph  Co. 

TEXAS 
Dallas — Southern  Talking  Machine  Co. 
Fort  Worth — Texas-Oklahoma  Phonograph  Co. 
Houston — Houston  Phonograph  Co. 

UTAH 
Ogden — Proudfit  Sporting  Goods  Co. 

VIRGINIA 
Richmond — C.  B.  Haynes  &  Co. 

WASHINGTON 
Seattle — Eilers  Music  House. 
Spokane — Graves  Music  Co. 

WISCONSIN 
Milwaukee — Milwaukee  Phonograph  Co. 

CANADA 
Quebec — C.  Robitaille. 

Montreal — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 
St.  John— W.  H.  Thorne  &  Co.,  Ltd. 
Toronto — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 
Vancouver — Kent  Piano  Co.,  Ltd. 
Winnipeg — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 

Babson  Bros. 
Calgary — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 


CYLINDER   ONLY 

ALABAMA 

Birmingham — Talking  Machine  Co. 
Mobile — W.  H.  Reynalds. 


Denver- 


colorado 
-Hext  Music  Co. 


GEORGIA 
Atlanta — Atlanta  Phonograph  Co. 
Waycross — Youmans  Jewelry  Co. 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago — Babson  Bros. 

James  I.  Lyons. 
Peoria — Peoria  Phonograph  Co. 
Putnam-Page  Co.,  Inc. 
Quincy — Quincy  Phonograph  Co. 

IOWA 
Sioux  City — Harger  &  Blish. 

MARYLAND 
Baltimore — E.  F.  Droop  &  Sons  Co. 

MASSACHUSETTS 
Boston — Eastern  Talking  Machine  Co. 

Iver  Johnson  Sporting  Goods  Co. 
Lowell — Thomas  Wardell. 

MINNESOTA 
St.  Paul— W.  J.  Dyer  &  Bro. 
Koehler  &  Hinrichs. 

MISSOURI 
Kansas  City — Schmelzer  Arms  Co. 
NEW  HAMPSHIRE 
Manchester — John  B.  Varick  Co. 
NEW  JERSEY 
Paterson — James  K.  O'Dea. 

NEW  YORK 
Albany — Finch  &  Hahn. 
Buffalo — W.  D.  Andrews  Co. 

Neal,  Clark  &  Neal  Co. 
Elmira — Elmira  Arms  Co. 

New  York  City — Blackman  Talking  Machine  Co. 
J.  F.  Blackman  &  Son. 
I.  Davega,  Jr.,  Inc. 
S.  B.  Davega  Co. 
Greenhut-Siegel-Cooper  Co. 
Rochester — Talking  Machine  Co. 
Syracuse — W.  D.  Andrews  Co. 
Utica — Arthur  F.  Ferriss. 
William  Harrison. 

OHIO 
Columbus — Perry  B.  Whitsit  Co. 

PENNSYLVANIA 
Philadelphia — Louis  Buehn. 

C.  J.  Heppe  &  Son. 
Penn  Phonograph  Co. 
H.  A.  Weymann  &  Son. 
Scranton — Ackerman  &  Co. 

RHODE  ISLAND 
Providence — J.  A.  Foster  Co. 
J.  Samuels  &  Bro. 

TEXAS 
El  Paso— W.  G.  Walz  Co. 
San  Antonio — H.  C;  Rees  Optical  Co. 


Burlington- 


VERMONT 
-American  Phonograph  Co. 


<&*  EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH 


MONTHLY 


<©£  EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY 


CONTENTS  FOR 

PAGE 

A  Big  Edison  Holiday  Trade  Realized 2 

On  the  Eve  of  Mr.  Edison's  67th  Birthday  3 

A  Carload  of  Edison  Disc  Phonographs 5 

Who's  Who  Among  Edison  Jobbers — Louis 

Buehn 6 

What  the  Jobber  Should  Do 7 

The  Disc;    How  Wonderful 8 

Three  More  New  Edison  Artists 9 

Dealers'  Questions  Answered 10 

Edison  Phonograph  at    Topeka 11 

Biggest  Hit  of  Recent  Times 11 


FEBRUARY,  1914 

PAGE 

Blue  Amberols  to  Australia 11 

Important  Announcement — Phonogram 11 

Solving  the  Problem  of  Instalment  Collec- 
tion   12 

Orville  Harrold  Listening  to  the  Disc 13 

Anxiously  Awaiting  the  Disc  in  England....  13 

Phonograph  Royalties 13 

A.  Brown  Son  Co's.  Advertisement 14 

Blue  Amberols  for  April 15 

Edison  Jobbers 16 


A  BIG  EDISON  HOLIDAY  TRADE  REALIZED 


C.  E.  Goodwin,  General  Manager  for  the  Phono- 
graph Company,  Chicago,  says:  "I  don't  ask  any- 
one to  take  any  mere  statement  of  mine;  just 
glance  over  the  order  books  of  our  Retail  Depart- 
ment. They  show  fully  80  per  cent,  of  the  sales  to 
have  been  of  the  3250  machines.  Strange  as  it 
may  seem,  our  wholesale  business  has  shown  a  very 
similar  increase.  The  Edison  disc  is  far  eclipsing 
all  anticipation  entertained  for  it." 


Mr.  Laurence  H.  Lucker  of  Minneapolis,  says: 
"Nearly  300  per  cent,  increase"  is  the  comparison 
between  December  1913  and  the  previous  Decem- 
ber. Had  we  taken  in  31,000  more  business  we 
would  just  have  trebled  our  sales.  We  received 
six  carloads  of  Edison  instruments  just  before 
Christmas  and  one  carload  after  Christmas,  but 
nearly  everything  has  gone  and  we  are  about  a 
hundred  machines  behind  in  our  orders.  Much 
of  the  business  was  high  grade.  We  sold  one  3400 
and  one  3450  Edison  way  out  in  North  Dakota, 
which  serves  to  illustrate  how  the  fame  of  the  Edison 
instrument  is  spreading." 


Ashley  B.  Cohn,  of  Hardman,  Peck  &  Co.,  the 
prominent  Fifth  Avenue  piano  house,  New  York, 
(which  recently  closed  arrangements  to  handle  the 
Edison  disc  line)  says:  "Although  our  Edison 
Disc  Department  had  been  open  but  a  few  weeks, 
and  our  furnishings,  booths,  etc.,  completed  for 
only  a  fortnight,  we  have  closed  an  Edison  disc 
business  that  is  really  amazing.  At  the  present 
time  we  have  eight  demonstration  rooms,  and  it  is 
a  tribute  to  the  numerous  qualities  of  the  Edison 
disc  product  that  these  rooms  are  crowded  day 
after  day,  and  patrons  waiting  to  get  a  chance  to 
enter  them.  On  the  Saturday  before  Christmas 
several    officials    of    the    Company,    two    wholesale 


piano  travelers,  two  retail  piano  men  and  the 
usual  Edison  disc  sales-staff  were  all  in  attendance 
upon  disc  customers  and  sales  were  lively." 


Manager  Silliman,  of  the  Pardee-Ellenberger 
Company,  Boston,  was  more  than  satisfied  over 
the  year's  results,  and  the  distribution  of  Edison 
disc  machines  during  the  month  of  December  was 
phenomenal. 


"After  closing  the  best  year  in  our  history  we 
are  naturally  enthusiastic  over  the  immediate  pros- 
pects for  spring  trade,"  says  W.  A.  Toennies  of  the 
Eclipse  Phonograph  Co.,  Hoboken,  N.  J.  "Our 
gain  over  1912,  our  former  banner  year,  was  sur- 
prisingly large,  and  the  most  gratifying  feature 
of  the  Edison  business  is  the  fact  that  our  business 
this  month  shows  a  substantial  increase  over  Jan., 
1913,  and  is  steadily  growing." 

"The  Edison  disc  line  is  certainly  increasing  in 
popularity  at  a  remarkable  pace.  Since  the  first 
official  announcement,  a  few  months  ago,  we  have 
been  signing  up  new  dealers  day  by  day,  and  those 
members  of  the  trade  who  joined  the  Edison  disc 
band-wagon  in  the  fall  have  all  advised  us  of  the 
closing  of  an  excellent  holiday  business.  The 
musical  qualities  of  the  Edison  disc  product,  coupled 
with  the  Edison  advertising  have  certainly  contribu- 
ted in  a  large  measure  to  this  impressive  success." 

"The  hornless  type  of  Edison  Cylinder  phono- 
graphs are  maintaining  a  steady  popularity  with 
our  dealers  and  it  is  pleasing  to  note  that  the 
demand  seems  to  be  strongest  for  the  higher-priced 
hornless  machines  in  preference  to  the  cheaper 
models.  As  a  matter  of  fact  the  outlook  for  both 
Edison  disc  and  cylinder  products  is  very  encour- 
aging and  we  expect  1914  to  be  even  better  than 
last  vear." 


THE    EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH    MONTHLY 

Published  in  the  interest  of 

EDISON  PHONOGRAPHS  AND  RECORDS 

BY 

THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  Inc. 
ORANGE,  N.  J.,  U.  S.  A. 

THOMAS  A.   EDISON,   LTD.,  25  CLERKENWELL  ROAD,   LONDON,  E.  C. 

THOMAS  A.  EDISON.  LTD..  364-372  KENT  STREET.  SYDNEY.   N.  S.  W. 

COMPANIA  EDISON  HISPANO-AMERICANA,  VIAMONTE  515.  BUENOS  AIRES. 

EDISON  GESELLSCHAFT,  M.  B.  H.  10  FRIEDRICHSTRASSE.  BERLIN. 

COMPAGNIE  FRANCAISE  THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  59  RUE  DES  PETITES-ECURIES.  PARIS 


Volume  XII 


FEBRUARY,  1914 


Number  2 


ON  THE  EVE  OF  MR.  EDISON'S 
SIXTY-SEVENTH  BIRTHDAY 


THE  sixty-seventh  anniversary  of  Mr. 
Edison's  birth  will  occur  on  February 
11th.  Nineteen  Fourteen  finds  him 
hale  and  hearty,  yet  still  addicted  to  very 
long  hours  in  his  laboratory.  During 
the  past  year  while  at  work  on  the  Disc 
Phonograph,  he  organized  and  headed 
one  of  his  old-fashioned  "insomnia 
squads"  which  stayed  with  him,  on  the 
job  in  the  Laboratory  and  Works  for 
five  consecutive  weeks  without  more  than 
two  or  three  hours  sleep  in  each  twenty- 
four.  A  caterer  brought  food;  the  men's 
wives'  brought  occasional  shifts  of  cloth- 
ing. Mr.  Edison's  own  time  card  (for 
he  punches  the  clock-time-cards  the  same 
as  any  of  his  many  employees)  then 
showed  that  he  was  working  from  120 
to  140  hours  a  week.  Since  his  slight 
illness  last  summer,  however,  he  has, 
perforce,  let  up  a  trifle  in  his  long  hours, 
but  remarked,  when  returning  from  a 
vacation  then,  that  forty-five  years  in 
the  laboratory  had  so  tuned  him  to  hard 
work  that  he  was  sick  if  away  from  it. 
However,    during    the    latter    part    of 


February  he  will  leave  home  for  several 
weeks'  vacation  in  Florida  with  Henry 
Ford,  the  well-known  automobile  manu- 
facturer (a  life-long  friend),  and  with 
John  Burroughs,   the  naturalist. 

As  popular  interest  centers  about  Mr. 
Edison's  work  the  past  year,  we  may  say 
that  his  time  has  been  spent  almost  ex- 
clusively upon  the  perfecting  of  the  disc 
phonograph.  In  a  recent  interview  with 
the  representative  of  the  Cosmopolitan 
Magazine,  he  made  several  interesting 
statements  concerning  the  phonograph's 
future: 

"Forty  per  cent  of  the  sounds  that  come  from 
an  ordinary  disc  phonograph,  do  not  belong  in  the 
music.  I  have  invented  a  new  kind  of  a  disc  machine 
which,  with  a  clean  record,  absolutely  eliminates 
all  these  unnecessary  noises.  The  difficulty  is  to 
get  an  absolutely  clean  record.  Records  are  sup- 
posed to  be  clean  when  they  are  bought,  but  they 
are  not.  They  are  not  clean  even  when  they  leave 
the  factory.  One  of  the  problems  upon  which  I  am 
now  working  is  how  to  send  out  records  clean  and 
keep  them  clean.  It  is  marvelous  how  slight  need 
be  the  undulations  upon  a  record  to  produce  great 
noises.  Take  a  piece  of  clean  glass,  cut  the  shape 
of  a  record  and  'play'  it  on  the  machine  and  there 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  FEBRUARY,  1914 


is  no  sound.  But  breathe  on  this  glass  a  dozen 
times,  put  it  away  half  an  hour  until  the  moisture 
can  harden,  and  then  play  the  glass  again  and  you 
will  hear  a  jumble  of  the  most  unearthly  noises." 

"The  phonograph  can  be  made  the  greatest 
musical  instrument  in  the  world.  I  intend  to  make 
it  so.  My  new  disc  phonograph  is  a  long  step  in 
this  direction.  But  I  cannot  make  the  phono- 
graph what  it  should  be  and  what  it  can  be,  until 
music  is  reduced  to  a  scientific  basis.  In  place 
of  all  of  these  relative  terms  like  'faster'  and  'slower' 
there  must  be  rigid,  definite  terms.  In  establishing 
certain  definite  musical  measurements,  I  am  going 
to  do  for  music  exactly  what  I  did  for  electricity 
when  I  invented  machines  to  measure  it.  I  expect, 
within  the  next  three  years,  to  do  this,  and  when 
I  have  accomplished  my  purpose  I  shall  be  in  a 
position  to  make  a  phonograph  that  will  take  the 
lead  over  all  other  musical  instruments." 

"I  shall  yet  put  before  the  world  a  phonograph 
that  will  render  whole  operas  better  than  the 
singers  themselves  could  sing  them  in  a  theatre. 
I  mean  by  this  that  when  heard  on  a  phonograph 
they  will  sound  better  than  when  heard  in  a  theatre. 
I  shall  do  this  by  virtue  of  the  fact  that  with  a 
phonograph  I  can  record  the  voices  better  than  any 
person  in  a  theatre  can  hear  them.  The  acoustics 
of  no  opera  house  are  perfect.  Something  is  always 
lost  between  the  singer  and  the  auditor.  I  shall 
record  the  voices  of  singers  in  such  a  manner  that 
nothing  will  be  lost." 

The  subject  of  wave  vibrations  sug- 
gests another  matter  that  Edison  is  in- 
vestigating. He  is  trying  to  catch  with 
the  phonograph  sounds  that  no  human 
ear  can  ever  catch. 

"There  must  be  many  sounds  the  ear  does  not 
hear.  Wave  vibrations  of  a  certain  degree  of  fre- 
quency come  to  us  in  the  form  of  sound.  Wave 
vibrations  of  still  greater  frequency  come  to  us  in 
the  form  of  light.  But  there  is  a  great  gap  between 
the  highest  wave  vibration  that  we  can  recognize 
with  the  ear  and  the  lowest  vibration  that  we  can 
see  with  the  eye.  It  therefore  follows  that  there 
are  many  sounds  that  we  cannot  hear  and  many 
colors  that  we  cannot  see.  I  am  trying  to  record 
some  of  these  sounds  by  running  phonographs  at 
high  speed  and  making  records  of  whatever  may  be 
in  the  air.  My  purpose  is  to  reproduce  these 
sounds  in  wave  lengths  that  the  human  ear  can 
catch  by  running  the  records  again  at  lower  speed. 
So  far  I  have  not  accomplished  much,  because  the 
sounds  created  by  the  mechanism  of  the  phono- 
graph itself  drown  out  the  unhearable  sounds  that 
may  have  been  recorded  upon  the  record.  But 
that  is  a  difficulty  that  I  shall  sooner  or  later  sur- 
mount.    Most   assuredly,   there   are   many   sounds 


that  we  cannot  hear,  and  just  as  certainly  there 
is  a  way  to  bring  them  within  the  range  of  the 
human  ear." 

Mr.  Edison  strongly  contends  that  all 
music  should  be  standardized.  It  must 
be  reduced  to  a  scientific  basis.  He  con- 
tends that  the  present  method  of  indi- 
cating time  in  music  is  very  unsatis- 
factory: 

"There  is  no  such  thing  as  a  definite  musical 
term  relating  to  time.  Take  any  piece  of  music 
and  look  at  it.  This  part,  for  instance,  is  marked 
with  a  French  word,  meaning  fast.  The  next  is 
marked  'a  little  faster,'  then  comes  'still  faster'  and 
'very  fast.'  Now  what  do  all  these  terms  mean. 
Faster  means  'faster'  of  course,  but  faster  than 
what?  There  is  the  difficulty.  Music  should  be 
established  upon  so  scientific  a  basis  that  anyone 
cart  play  a  piece  in  precisely  the  time  the  composer 
intended  it  should  be  played.  If  music  is  worth 
anything — and  in  my  opinion  it  is  worth  much — ■ 
it  is  worth  rendering  perfectly.  Yet  it  can  never 
be  rendered  perfectly  until  it  is  placed  upon  a 
scientific  basis.  The  lack  of  such  a  basis  is  largely 
responsible  for  the  bad  music  and  the  faking  that 
are  everywhere  apparent.  " 

Mr.  Edison's  object  in  thus  insisting 
upon  a  standardization  of  music  is  pri- 
marily to  enable  him  to  perfect  the  phono- 
graph. 

To  indicate  the  exact  degree  of  inten- 
sity with  which  a  composition  shall  be 
rendered  seems  particularly  near  to  the 
line  of  impossibility,  yet  Mr.  Edison 
throws  a  new  line  upon  the  subject: 

"Every  musical  sound  is  the  product  of  a  certain 
number  of  vibrations  to  the  second  of  a  certain 
material.  The  fashion  now  is  to  begin  playing  a 
composition  with  whatever  degree  of  intensity 
seems  appropriate  to  the  player.  A  little  farther 
on  the  music  is  marked  'loud,'  'louder'  or  'soft,' 
'softer' — terms  that  mean  nothing  because  they 
are  merely  relative  and  are  not  predecated  upon  any 
definite  basis  of  intensity.  As  a  matter  of  fact, 
however,  it  is  possible  to  equip  a  piano  with  instru- 
ments that  will  register  the  rapidity  of  vibration 
of  each  string  that  is  struck.  A  composer  playing 
upon  a  piano  thus  equipped  would  have,  at  the 
finish,  a  complete  record  of  the  vibrations  that  he 
has  created.  This  record  would  constitute  an 
accurate  guide  for  other  musicians.  It  would  then 
be  possible  for  any  musician  to  reproduce  upon  a 
piano  similarly  equipped  the  same  composition, 
and  reproduce  it  in  precisely  the  same  manner  that 
the  composer  created  it." 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  FEBRUARY,  1914 


CAR-LOAD  DISC  PHONOGRAPHS  SHIPPED  TO  ONE  DEALER 
IN  A  TOWN  OF  ONLY  1300  POPULATION 


GEORGE  J.  LENTH  of  Elkader,  Clayton 
County,  Iowa,  is  a  hustler.  If  we  may  judge 
from  past  and  present  performances,  he  has 
a  very  bright  future  ahead  of  him  as  a  dealer  in 
Edison  Phonographs. 

The  above  illustration  represents  an  actual  ship- 
ment made  in  a  through  car,  direct  from  the  Edison 
factory  to  Elkader,  Iowa,  on  Wednesday,  January 
21.  The  car  was  filled  exclusively  with  Edison 
Disc  Phonographs  and  records  shipped  to  Mr. 
Lenth. 

Of  course  there  is  nothing  remarkable  about  car 
shipments  at  the  Edison  factory;  they  are  a  daily 
occurrence.  But  a  full  car  to  a  dealer  (but  not  a 
jobber)  located  in  a  humble  Iowa  county  seat,  with 
only  1300  population,  is  worthy  of  special  notice, 
particularly  where  the  element  of  financial  respon- 
sibility is  entirely  assured,  as  it  is  in  this  case. 
Mr.  Lenth's  credit  is  gilt-edged,  so  that  the  order 
coming  to  us  in  the  regular  course  of  business, 
through  his  jobbers,  is  not  speculative  in  any 
sense  of  the  word,  nor  merely  spectacular  for 
advertising  purposes.  It  is  a  bona-fide  order  and  a 
genuine  shipment. 

And  moreover,  this  is  not  an  initial  order.  Messrs. 
Harger  &  Blish  of  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  his  jobbers, 
report  his  December  sales  little  short  of  phenome- 
nal. The  pleasure  of  receiving  prompt  settlement 
in  the  form  of  a  check  for  31000.00  is  also  a  part 
of  their  experience  in  handling  this  account. 

Mr.  Lenth  is  certainly  a  live  wire  with  a  broad 
outlook  on  business  propositions.     When  he  sizes 


up  his  prospects  he  adds  a  good  measure  of  con- 
fidence in  himself  to  land  them,  and  then  goes  to 
a  long  distance  phone  and  talks  car-lot  shipment  to 
his  jobbers.  We  imagine  he  then  orders  in  such  a 
way  as  to  fully  cover  them  and  more,  thus  reducing 
the  cost  of  delivery,  besides  insuring  prompt, 
direct  shipment.  Isn't  that  the  best  way  to 
order? 

We  hope  later  to  tell  our  readers  just  how  Mr. 
Lenth  works  to  secure  his  prospects,  and  to  land 
Edison  Disc  purchases  in  a  rural  community.  We 
anticipate  that  one  thing  he  will  tell  us  is  that  he 
carries  a  full  line  of  Edison  goods  as  a  first  requisite; 
but  we  shall  let  him  tell  his  own  story,  if  he  will, 
next  month. 

When  others  know  his  methods,  probably  we 
shall  have  the  pleasure  of  acknowledging  other 
car-lot  orders  from  dealers  similarly  located,  in 
the  smaller  towns. 

We  might  also  say  a  word  in  passing,  that  the 
jobbers  who  handled  this  order  have  from  the  first 
studied  every  detail  to  serve  the  dealer  advisedly, 
promptly,  and  with  personal  attention.  When 
the  long  distance  telephone  call  came  about  a 
car-lot  shipment  they  didn't  speculate  as  to  whether 
this  or  that  had  best  be  done;  they  dispatched 
their  representative  instantly  to  Elkader  and  prof- 
fered their  advice  and  help  in  the  selection  of  styles 
of  machines  to  be  ordered  and  there  and  then 
arranged  all  details  for  shipment. 

The  result  was  that  Mr.  Lenth  received  his  order 
in  first  class  shape,  and  without  a  hitch  of  any 
kind.  Co-operation  between  dealer  and  jobber, 
and  jobber  and  factory  was  never  better  exempli- 
fied than  in  the  handling  of  this  order. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  FEBRUARY,  1914 


WHO'S  WHO  AMONG  EDISON  JOBBERS 

SECOND  ARTICLE 


LOUIS  BUEHN 

Edison  Phonographs,  Edison  Dictating  Machines 
825  Arch  Street,  Philadelphia 


THE  writer's  affiliation  with  the  talking  ma- 
chine business   dates   back  to  August,    1898, 
while  he  was  in  the  employ  of  Chas.  S.  Smith 
and    Company,    Philadelphia,    who    at    that    time 
took  on  a  line  of  Edison  Phonographs  and  records 
in  conjunction  with  their  large  bicycle  business. 

In  a  comparatively  short  time  Mr.  Smith  found 
it  convenient  to  discontinue  handling  the  line  and 
the  Wells  Phonograph  Company  was  incorporated 
in  January,  1900,  of  which  the  writer  became 
secretary. 

On  August  1st,  1901,  the  business  of  the  Wells 
Phonograph  Company  was  taken  over  by  me 
personally  and  from  this  small  beginning  developed 
the  present  business  conducted  by  myself. 

In  view  of  the  limited  capital  that  I  had  at  my 
command  it  was  early  apparent  to  me  that  the 
most  important  .thing  for  me  to  consider  was  the 
question  of  credit  and  after  giving  the  matter  con- 
sideration I  decided  to  apply  myself  almost  en- 
tirely to  the  wholesale  field.  To  this  decision  I 
have  been  steadfast  through  all  these  years  and  to- 
day my  business  is  95%  wholesale  and  I  feel  con- 
vinced that  this  principle  has  been  largely  instru- 


mental   in    the    satisfactory    development    of    my 
business  with  the  dealer. 

As  an  index  to  the  growth  of  the  talking  machine 
business,  I  might  cite  that  my  business  for  Decem- 
ber, 1913,  was  just  double  the  business  I  did  during 
the  first  year  of  my  business  career. 

Louis  Buehn 


THE  CREDIT  PROBLEM 

BETWEEN  JOBBER  AND  DEALER 

By  Louis  Buehn 

THE  credit  feature  of  every  business  is  one 
that  is  most  important,  as  many  careers  have 
been  wrecked  by  the  granting  of  credits  too 
liberally,  particularly  to  small  merchants  who  did 
not  have  the  right  conception  of  business  and  who 
brought  about  losses  to  the  grantor  of  credit. 

It  has  always  been  my  aim  to  safeguard  the 
credit  situation,  in  so  far  as  I  was  personally  con- 
cerned, by  never  failing  to  ask  for  remittances  when 
an  account  became  due,  and  to  politely  but  firmly 
insist  upon  settlement  when  the  account  was  pait 
due. 

This  condition,  of  course,  was  largely  brought 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  FEBRUARY,  1914 


about  in  the  beginning  by  necessity,  but  the  rule 
has  been  so  satisfactory  that  I  have  continued  the 
practise  up  to  the  present  day,  although  liberality 
also  is  part  of  my  creed  when  the  condition  or  situa- 
tion warrants  it. 

Many  dealers  are  prone  to  think  that  the  princi- 
ple item  of  consideration  in  the  granting  of  credit 
is  the  amount  involved,  but  in  this  they  are  mis- 
taken for  the  reason  that  any  jobber  will  grant  any 
amount  of  credit  to  any  dealer  provided  he  dis- 
counts his  bills  or  pays  them  promptly  on  the  terms 
agreed,  but  should  a  man  owe  an  amount  of  money, 
even  though  very  small,  and  exceeds  the  terms 
agreed  upon,  the  jobber  will  rightfully  refuse  to 
extend  an  additional  amount  of  credit. 

It  should  be  the  aim  of  every  dealer  to  discount 
his  bills,  for  until  he  is  in  position  to  do  this, 
he  is  not  taking  full  advantage  of  the  possi- 
bilities of  the  business  and  not  getting  everything 
out  of  it  to  which  he  is  entitled.  It  should  be  the 
jobber's  aim  to  help  the  dealer  realize  this  condi- 
tion and  the  writer  has  always  tried  to  lend  the 
necessary  assistance  through  advice  and  the  proper 
extension  of  credit  accommodations  to  bring  this 
condition  about. 

It  has  been  my  good  fortune  to  see  a  number  of 
dealers  brought  from  a  slow  paying  basis  to  dis- 
counters and  there  has  always  been  a  feeling  of 
satisfaction  on  my  part  of  having  been  partially 
instrumental  in  bringing  this  condition  about. 

The  dealer  should  not  abuse  his  credit  by  asking 
unreasonable  things,  for  by  so  doing  he  not  only 
brings  down  upon  himself  the  condemnation  of  the 
jobber,  but  will  usually  bring  upon  himself  in 
time  a  condition  which  will  mean  the  giving  up  his 
right  of  dealership.  In  like  manner  the  jobber 
should  be  careful  in  the  extension  of  credit  not  to 
make  the  terms  burdensome  or  irksome.  He 
should  grant  credit  intelligently  and  give  every 
dealer  all  the  help  possible  and  should  act  generally 
as  a  constructive  force  for  the  good  of  the  entire 
business. 

[The  series  of  articles  of  which  this  is  the  second, 
were  begun  in  the  January,  1914,  issue  by  Pardee, 
Ellenberger  &  Co.,  Inc.,  New  Haven  and  Boston. 
The  reader  is  referred  to  a  valuable  article  on 
"Solving  the  Problem  of  Installment  Collection," 
on  page  13  of  this  issue.] 


Mr.  Louis  Buehn  is  enthusiastic  over  the  year's 
work,  and  looks  in  the  most  encouraging  way  to 
the  future,  believing  that  the  new  currency  bill  is 
going  to  make  money  easy  and  he  is  of  the  opinion 
that  the  trade  will  this  year  enjoy  even  a  greater 
era  of  prosperity  than  they  did  in  1913. 

Mr.  Buehn  is  most  optimistic  regarding  every 
feature  of  his  business,  and  says  that  the  only 
thing  wherein  the  dealers  could  be  benefitted, 
would  be  the  establishing  of  the  rule  for  charging 
interest  on  deferred  payments.  He  believes  that  it 
will  regulate  itself.  He  says  the  factories  cannot 
be  asked  or  expected  to  remedy  the  condition. 


WHAT  THE  JOBBER  SHOULD  DO 

FIRST  of  all,  he  should  be  conceited  enough  to 
believe  that  he  fills  an  important  position. 
Second,  he  should  measure  up  to  his  conception 
of  his  importance.  Third,  he  should  occasionally 
startle  the  trade,  as  well  as  himself,  by  doing 
something  radical  along  the  line  of  liberality  or  in 
the  way  of  service — something  that  will  drive  home 
to  the  dealer's  heart  and  mind  the  belief  that  the 
jobber  is  his  best  friend.  He  should  take  an  inter- 
est in  the  dealer  that  will  measure  deeper  than 
the  margin  of  profit  in  the  orders  received  to  date. 
In  his  eyes  the  small  dealer  should  especially  be  a 
subject  for  his  assistance  and  solicitude,  always 
remembering  that  "mighty  oaks  from  little  acorns 
grow."  He  should  be  a  spiritual  adviser  to  his 
dealer,  acquainted  with  his  private  affairs  and  am- 
bitions. He  should  give  the  dealer  the  benefit  of 
his  knowledge  and  experience,  instructing  him  as 
to  the  best  methods  of  conducting  business.  The 
jobber  and  his  salesmen,  by  reason  of  their  travels 
from  dealer  to  dealer,  are  in  a  position  to  act  as 
a  clearing  house  for  ideas. 

They  should  keep  the  dealer  posted  as  to  the 
most  approved  methods  of  selling,  steering  him 
clear  of  such  ideas  or  schemes  as  have  been  tested 
by  others  and  found  useless  or  unprofitable.  They 
should  encourage  the  timid  dealer  to  do  a  certain 
amount  of  conservative  instalment  business,  and  on 
the  other  hand  restrain  the  financially  unequipped 
dealer  from  plunging  headlong  into  the  rapids  of 
frenzied  instalment  competition  which  only  the 
moneyed  stores  can  ride  safely  and  profitably. 

As  an  illustration  of  the  work  that  a  jobber  or 
his  salesmen  could  do  I  will  cite  a  particular  case. 
A  new  dealer  is  opened  up  in  a  small  but  beautiful 
store  in  New  York  City.  The  jobber  delivers 
about  32,500  worth  of  goods.  The  new  dealer, 
although  lacking  neither  in  intelligence,  or  sales- 
manship, or  persanality — the  three  vital  elements 
essential  to  ultimate  success — unfortunately  had 
never  sold  talking  machines  before.  Of  course, 
the  simplest  method  would  be  to  hire  a  competent, 
reasonable-priced  sales  person;  but,  taking  the 
situation  as  we  found  it,  it  cocurred  to  me  that  the 
man  who  sold  the  32,500  worth  of  goods  should 
have  taken  the  pains  to  instruct — yes,  teach — his 
client  the  proper  way  to  handle,  demonstrate  and 
sell  his  goods.  The  dealer  should  be  supplied  with  a 
selling  talk — in  fact,  prepared  for  the  work  in 
front  of  him.  We  should  have  imparted  to  him  a 
working  knowledge  sufficient  to  enable  him  to 
handle  customers  and  to  do  justice  to  his  invest- 
ment. To  sum  up  briefly,  the  jobber  must  place  him- 
self in  a  position  of  rendering  first  aid  to  the  dealer 
in  all  his  difficulties,  with  a  view  to  securing  his 
good  will,  which  is  another  way  of  spelling  "orders." 
—  Talking  Machine  World. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  FEBRUARY,  1914 


THE  DISC;  HOW  WONDERFUL! 

WE  have  been  much  pleased  with  the  several 
dealers  advertisements  which  have  come 
to  our  attention,  wherein  an  earnest  en- 
deavor has  been  made  to  impress  upon  the  public 
the  marvelous  tone  of  the  Disc.  It  is  not  an  easy- 
matter  to  express  this  in  few  words.  Perhaps  the 
best  single  expression,  is  "Real  Music  at  Last." 
There  is  a  little  story  about  Bishop  Hurst  that 
aptly  introduces  the  subject.  Messrs.  Brown  &  Son, 
of  Schenectady  have  employed  this  to  good  advan- 
tage as  will  be  seen  in  the  accompanying  adver- 
tisement. Another  good  feature  that  Messrs. 
Brown  announce  is  "Free  Recitals"  at  their  store 
any  hour,  only  appointment  in  the  evening.  Arous- 
ing curiosity,  then  suggesting  a  way  to  satisfy  it 
by  hearing  the  Disc  when  most  convenient  to  your 
prospects,  is  good  business.       See  page  14. 


TWELVE  FOLK  DANCES 

WE  are  happy  to  announce  this  month 
twelve  Folk  Dance  records.  These  were 
made  under  the  direction  of  Jennie  C. 
Payne,  Supervisor  of  Physical  Training  in  New 
York  City  Public  Schools,  and  C.  W.  Crampton, 
M.  D.,  Director  of  Physical  Training  there. 
They  are  intended  to  serve  a  double  purpose: 
(a)  they  enable  the  teachers  of  schools  and 
playgrounds  to  have  suitable  and  authentic 
music  for  teaching  the  national  and  typical  folk 
dances  of  the  various  countries,  for  use  in  calis- 
thenics, etc.,  and  (b)  they  serve  the  educational 
purpose  of  making  the  children  familiar  with 
the  style  of  music  characteristic  of  each  country. 
They  are  also  invaluable  for  dancing  schools, 
and  in  addition  make  interesting  and  charming 
records  for  the  home. 

Played  by  the  National  Promenade  Band 

Specially  arranged  for  dancing 
Price  50  cents  each  in  the  U.  S.;  $1.00  each  in  Canada 

2240  Ace  of  Diamonds — Danish  Folk  Dance 

2241  Bleking— Swedish  Folk  Dance 

2242  The    Carrousel— Merry-Go-Round — 
Swedish  Folk  Dance 

2243  Danish  Dance  of  Greeting — Danish  Folk 
Dance 

2244  Highland  Fling— Scotch  Folk  Dance 

2245  Highland      Schottische— Scotch      Folk 
Dance 

2246  The  Irish  Jig— St.   Patrick's   Day— Irish 
Folk  Dance 

2247  I  See  You— Swedish  Folk  Dance 

2248  Lassie's  Dance — Swedish  Folk  Dance 

2249  Shoemaker's  Dance — Danish  Folk  Dance 

2250  Swedish     Clap     Dance— Swedish     Folk 
Dance 

2251  Trallen— Swedish  Folk  Dance 


DANCE  CRAZE  HELPS  RECORD 
SALES 

THE  present  dance  craze  is  undoubtedly  acting 
as  a  stimulus  to  the  sale  of  dance  records,  the 
greatest,  probably,  the  trade  has  ever  known. 
The  popularity  of  the  dance  record  is  responsible 
for  the  sale  of  many  machines,  as  numerous  dance 
enthusiasts  have  learned  that  they  can  employ  the 
one-step,  tango,  hesitation,  folk  and  other  dances 
with  the  utmost  convenience  and  thus  enliven  all 
kinds  of  small  social  gatherings.  One  professor  of 
dancing,  writes:  "I  must  say  the  Blue  Amberol 
Record  gives  me  so  much  satisfaction  that  I  am 
enthusiastic  over  it.  I  teach  the  waltz  and  two- 
step  by  the  Blue  Amberol  Records,  and  my  pupils 
are  as  delighted  with  the  music  as  I  am  with  the 
convenience  and  utility  of  the  records." 

Right  now,  before  the  Lenten  season  starts, 
dancing  will  be  still  more  of  a  craze  than  even 
during  the  holidays.  The  enterprising,  forehanded 
dealer  will  stock  up  with  Blue  Amberol  dance 
records.'    A  full  list  is  given  below: 

WALTZES: 

2013  Good  Night  Waltz 

1506  Over  the  Waves  Waltz 

1564  Sounds  from  the  Opera  Waltzes 

2034  Gold  and  Silver  Waltz— Waltz  Boston 

2044  S.  R.  Henry's  Barn  Dance 

2206  Dreaming — Waltz  Hesitation 
2228  Love  is  Fickle — Waltz  Hesitation 

ONE-STEP: 

1925  Too  Much  Mustard 
2165  Tres  Chic 

2207  Ma  Poulette 
TWO-STEP: 

1843  Good-Bye  Boys  Medley 

1859  Hula  Hula  Medley 

1802  My  Little  Persian  Rose  Medley 

1895  Officer  of  the  Day;  The  Hurricane 

1937  Silv'ry  Bells  Mediey 

1939  Trail  of  the  Lonesome  Pine 

1752  When  the  Midnight  Choo-Choo 

2019  Here  Comes  My  Daddy  Now  Medley 
TANGOS: 

1756  La  Bella  Argentina 

1744  Tango  Land 

1842  La  Rumba 

1922  Trocha 

2135  Miss  Mexico 

2161  La  Bella  Cubanera 

2209  Dream  Tango 

2231  The  Santley  Tango 
SQUARE  DANCES: 

2063  Virginia  Reel 

1522  Money  Musk  Medley — Virginia  Reel 
SPECIAL  DANCES: 

2076  Horse  Trot 

2067  That  Tango  Tokio  Medley— Turkey  Trot 

2096  Valse  Boston 

2139  International  Rag  Medley — Turkey  Trot 

2205  Peg  o'  My  Heart  Medley— Turkey  Trot 

2208  When  It's  Apple  Blossom  Time  in  Normandy  Medley — 

Turkey  Trot 
2234  You're  My  Girl  Medley— Turkey  Trot 

And  the  twelve  Folk  Dances — Records  2240-2251.     See  April 
list. 

Don't  hesitate  to  get  in  line  and  push  their  sale. 
Play  them;   they  wall  sell  if  advertised. 

Lenten  and  Easter  Music 

Whatever  may  be  your  personal  attitude  toward 
this  season,  it  is  undeniable  that  there  is  a  large 
number  who  observe  it  and  want  suitable  records. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  FEBRUARY,   1914  9 

THREE  MORE  NEW  EDISON  ARTISTS 

IN  THE  APRIL  BLUE  AMBEROL  LIST 


BEULAH  G.  YOUNG 

Soprano 


FRED'K  GORDON  MacLEAN 
Baritone 


GRACE  C.  EMBLER 

Contralto 


MISS  GRACE  COUCH  EMBLER  was  born 
in  Madison,  Wisconsin.  She  obtained  her  musical 
education  in  New  York  where  she  studied  under 
Edmound  John  Meyer  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Theodore 
J.  Toedt.  She  has  held  several  important  church 
positions  in  New  York  City,  among  them  being  at 
St.  Bartholomew's,  and  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Brooklyn.  In  addition  she  has  done 
Oratorio  and  Festival  work  with  Nordica,  Blauvelt 
and  many  of  the  best  singers.  Since  her  marriage 
she  has  devoted  her  time  largely  to  teaching,  and 
private  singing,  and  the  directing  of  a  large  glee 
club  in   Brooklyn   called  "The  Embler  Glee." 


MRS.  BEULAH  GAYLORD  YOUNG  for  three 
seasons  of  the  Victoria  Ladies  Quartet,  is  well  known 
in  club,  concert  and  church  work.  She  sang  for 
nearly  ten  years  in  Summit,  New  Jersey,  at  the 
Methodist-Episcopal  Church;  at  present  she  is 
soloist  at  the  33rd  Street  Colegian  Baptist  Church, 
New  York  City.  Her  voice  is  of  beautiful  quality, 
perfectly  placed,  and  her  songs  are  always  exquisitely 
rendered.  That  her  records  are  bound  to  become 
favorites,  seems  already  assured,  although  she  is 
a  new  comer  to  the  ranks  of  Edison  artists. 


FREDERICK  GORDON  MacLEAN  was  born 
in  New  York,  in  1885.  His  musical  career  started  at 
the  age  of  seven,  when  he  entered  a  volunteer  choir 
in  the  Parish  House  of  the  Church  of  the  Ascension, 
10th  Street  and  5th  Avenue,  New  York.  One  year 
later  he,  with  five  other  boys  was  chosen  by  Mr. 
Clement  R.  Gale,  to  enter  the  choir  of  Calvary 
Episcopal  Church,  New  York.  At  the  a.ge  of  nine 
he  sang  his  first  solo   (soprano)   at  the  Columbia 


College  Convention,  held  at  Calvary  Church,  New 
York.  He  then  took  the  leadership  of  the  choir  of 
Holy  Trinity  Episcopal  Church,  Benton  Harbor, 
Michigan,  also  the  Congregational  Church  of  the 
same  city.  Mr.  MacLean  has  been  soloist  in  St. 
George's  Episcopal  Church,  Flushing,  L.  I.,  Trinity 
Episcopal  Church,  Easton,  Pennsylvania,  Director 
of  "Arion  Four,"  a  male  quartet  known  through- 
out the  West,  and  is  now  baritone  soloist  in  St. 
Gregory's  Roman  Catholic  Church,  Brooklyn. 


Other  Features  of  the  April  List 

A  STIRRING  EASTER  ANTHEM.  "Halle- 
lujah, Christ  is  Risen,"  by  the  Edison  Mixed 
Quartet.  This  is  a  great  favorite  with  Sunday 
Schools  and  Churches.  Easter  Day  this  year  will 
fall  on  April  5th. 

KATHLEEN  PARLOW'S  VIOLIN  SOLOS 
(28192)  from  Beethoven  and  Drigo  are  exception- 
ally fine  and  show  clearly  her  wonderful  artistic 
and  technical  ability. 

MARIE  RAPPOLD'S  rendition  of  "The  Last 
Rose  of  Summer"  is  sung  in  a  heartfelt  manner 
with  a  finish  quite  remarkable. 

ANOTHER  SCRIPTURE  READING  AND 
HYMN  in  which  Dr.  Peters  reads  with  remarkable 
clearness  and  ease  while  the  Edison  Mixed  Quartet 
sing  "The  Gate  Ajar  for  Me." 

TWO  MORE  READINGS  BY  MR.  WRIGHT 
from  the  works  of  Paul  Lawrence  Dunbar,  in  which 
he  shows  much  expression  and  feeling. 

TWELVE  FOLK  DANCES,  arranged  espe- 
cially for  dancing  by  the  National  Promenade  Band. 
They  are  very  fine  and  afford  much  new  music 
for  dancers. 


10 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  FEBRUARY,  1914 


DEALERS'  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED 


We  propose  in  this  column  to  answer  questions 
which  are  apt  to  arise  in  the  handling  or  operation 
of  any  style  of  Edison  Phonographs,  or  in  regard 
to  the  records.  We  invite  the  jobber  and  dealer 
to  send  in  any  questions  on  which  information 
is  desired.  Of  course  the  questions  should  be  of 
a  broad  nature,  the  purely  personal  ones  we  will 
answer    direct  by  mail. 

I.  Does  it  Hurt  a  Sapphire  or  a  Diamond  Point 
to  Play  Them  Over  a  Cracked  or  a  Damaged 
Record? 

Ans: — Should  the  crack  in  record 
be  of  any  perceptible  width,  there 
is  a  possibility  of  the  reproducer  point 
being  broken. 

As  far  as  playing  a  damaged  record 
is  concerned,  the  word  "damage" 
being  so  broad  in  its  meaning,  it  is 
impossible  to  advise  one  without 
seeing  the  record. 

In  any  case,  it  is  much  better 
not  to  take  any  chance  with 
broken  or  damaged  records. 

II.  What  Causes  a  Phonograph  (Cylinder) 
to  Stutter  and  Repeat  Over  and  Over  Again 
a  Note  or  a  Phrase. 

Ans: — There  are  a  great  many 
causes  for  this,  but  we  find  that  the 
following  are  the  most  common: — 

(a)  Dirt  in  gears.  This  can  be 
remedied  by  cleaning  with  benzine 
or  kerosene. 

(b)  Governor  has  become  "drunk," 
or  it  runs  out  of  balance.  This 
should  be  remedied   as  follows: 

Allow  the  motor  to  run  down  com- 
pletely. Loosen  the  screw  in  the 
governor  collar  where  same  is  fastened 
to  governor  shaft.  Then  press  this 
collar  yi"  toward  the  large  disc  (which 
makes  contact  with  the  governor  fric- 
tion) holding  the  disc  with  thumb, 
thereby  expanding  the  springs  to 
which  the  balls   are  attached. 

The  cause  of  the  phonograph 
repeating  is  usually  found  in  the  repro- 
ducer being  out  of  order.  Examine 
the  reproducer  and  see  that  the 
swinging  weight  is  perfectly  free  to 
swing  sideways  and  up  and  down. 
Also  see  that  the  reproducing  point 
is  free  from  dirt  and  that  the  arm 
into  which  the  reproducer  point  is 
fastened  is  free  on  its  pivot. 

Repeating  is  also  caused  by  not 
placing  the  reproducer  on  the  record 


or  by  the  phonograph  not  being  on 
a  level  surface,  or  by  dirt  having 
accumulated  between  the  feed  nut  and 
screw,  thereby  not  allowing  the  feed 
nut  to  make  a  proper  engagement  with 
the  screw,  or  by  record  not  being 
pressed   firmly  on   the   mandrel. 

III.  Will  a  Diamond  Point  Ever  Wear  Out 
on  an  Edison  Cylinder  or  Disc? 

Ans: — The  diamond,  being  the 
hardest  substance  known,  cannot  wear 
out  on  a  record.  We  have  received 
numerous  complaints,  however,  from 
customers  stating  that  the  points 
are  worn  out;  but,  on  investigation, 
we  invariably  find  that  the  points 
were  broken. 

IV.  Please  Explain  How  I  Should  Proceed  to 
Put  a  New  Belt  on  My  Cylinder  Machine? 

Ans: — This  operation  is  almost 
too  simple  to  need  explanation.  All 
that  is  necessary  is  to  turn  the 
phonograph  cylinder  with  the  right 
hand  and  pass  old  belt  (with  left  hand) 
over  flanges  of  pulley  on  cylinder 
shaft.  To  replace  new  belt,  reverse 
above  operations. 

V.  How  Far  from  the  Phonograph  Ought 
One  Stand  or  Sit  for  the  Best  Effect? 

Ans: — This  is  purely  a  matter 
of  personal  taste,  as  some  individuals 
cannot  get  a  phonograph  loud  enough 
and  others  desire  it  very  soft. 

VI.  Are  Attachments  for  Playing  Blue  Am- 
berols  Obtainable  Without  the  Ten  Special 
Blue  Amberol  Records? 

Ans: — No,  we  supply  no  attach- 
ments apart  from  our  Special  Offer 
to  include  with  such  attachment 
the  Ten  Special  Blue  Amberol  Records. 


CONNECTION  FOR  LATERAL  CUT 
DISC  RECORDS 

In  response  to  considerable  demand  we  have 
placed  ourselves  in  a  position  to  furnish  a  con- 
nection for  the  Edison  Diamond-Disc  Phono- 
graph whereby  lateral  cut  disc  records  can  be 
played  with  any  sound  box  that  will  fit  the 
connection. 

We  have  established  the  following  prices: 

List 31-75 

To  Dealers L25 

To  Jobbers LOO 

The  connection  can  be  furnished  at  these 
prices  in  either  gold  or  nickel  finish. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  FEBRUARY,  1914 


11 


THE  EDISOX  PHONOGRAPH  WELL 
DISPLAYED  AT  TOPEKA 

THE  Santa  Fe  Watch  Company  occupy  a  very 
handsome  new  store  located  at  821  Kansas 
Ave.,  Topeka,  Kansas.  The  store  is  modern 
and  up-to-date  in  every  respect  and  presents  both 
in  its  interior  and  exterior  aspects  a  very  rich, 
artistic  and  well-arrayed  appearance.  The  firm 
do  a  large  business  in  the  better  class  of  jewelry, 
silverware,  cut  glass  and  art  curios.  Their  Phono- 
graph Department  is  a  very  prosperous  branch  of 
the  business.  Their  orders  are  not  confined  to  the 
Southwest  but  come  from  over  half  the  States  in 
the  Union,  even  as  far  away  as  South  Carolina  and 
Florida.  They  have  already  disposed  of  a  large 
lot  of  Edison  Disc  Machines  and  their  holiday  trade 
has  surpassed  all  anticipations.  Bright  enter- 
prising methods  are  adopted  with  liberal  local 
advertising. 


THE  BIGGEST  HIT  OF  RECENT 
TIMES 

Certain  it  is,  says  an  English  critic,  that  no  song 
has  so  rapidly  taken  hold  of  popular  fancy  as  "You 
Made  Me  Love  You,"  for  it  is  being  featured  now 
by  no  less  than  eight  leading  artists  in  various 
parts  of  England. 


240,476  BLUE  AMBEROLS  TO 
AUSTRALIA 

THAT  Australians  appreciate  the  Blue  Am- 
berol  is  more  and  more  in  evidence  every 
month  as  orders  keep  multiplying  rapidly. 
The  steamer,  "Star  of  India"  recently  carried  one 
Edison  shipment  of  140,476  Blue  Amberols  and 
another  shipment  of  100,000  has  just  gone  forward. 
This  is  the  summer  season  in  Australia,  and  as  in 
the  U.  S.,  the  greatest  time  of  the  year  for  sales; 
with  the  coming  of  the  Fall  months  there,  (our 
May,  June  and  July)  sales  will  be  on  the  jump  and 
a  still  larger  demand  will  result. 


IMPORTANT  ANNOUNCEMENT 

BEGINNING  with  the  April  issue,  now  going 
to  press,  we  shall  issue  The  Phonogram  and 
the  Supplement  of  Xew  Records  in  envelope 
size,  6}/g  x  3}4  inches — the  same  size  as  they  were 
in  1912.  We  make  this  change  in  order  to 
meet  the  growing  need  for  these  publications  in 
a  size  handy  for  enclosure  in  an  ordinary  envelope. 
The  Phonogram  will  contain  the  list  of  monthly 
records  the  same  as  the  Supplement,  but  with 
shorter  descriptions  under  each  title.  It  will  be  16 
pages,  and  will  be  supplied  to  dealers  on  the  same 
terms  as  at  present: — i.  e. 

Where  dealer's  imprint  is  desired  on  the  Phonogram 
we  require  a  formal  order  to  be  placed  with  the  Jobber 
at  $2.50  per  M.  with  a  nominal  charge  of  25  cents  for 
the  imprint.  That  is  one  charge  of  25  cents  for  an 
imprint  no  matter  how  may  thousand  are  ordered. 
When  it  is  desired  to  cancel  an  order  we  require  three 
months'  notice,  as  our  presses  are  always  three  months 
ahead  of  date  of  issue.  Where  no  imprint  is  desired 
the  Jobber  will  supply  these  on  order  at  $2.50  per 
thousand,  25  cents  per  hundred. 

The  Supplement  also  will  be  envelope  size 
(63^  x  lyi  inches)  and  printed  on  coated  paper 
with  illustrations  throughout,  as  at  present.  It 
will  be  16  pages.  The  descriptive  matter  under 
each  title  will  be  somewhat  more  extended  than 
the  Phonogram. 

With  this  announcement  we  anticipate  a  wider 
distribution  of  both  these  publications  by  Jobber 
and  Dealer.  It  will  pay  the  Dealer  to  send  these 
monthly  issues  direct  into  the  homes  of  all  record 
purchasers  and  others  likely  to  be  interested,  and 
to  maintain  for  this  purpose  well  arranged  lists  of 
names,  envelopes  for  which  can  be  written  in  ad- 
vance so  as  to  facilitate  immediate  mailing  when 
the  announcements  are  received.  Look  up  your  old 
customers'  names;  get  the  mailing  list  in  good  shape 
at  once.  It  will  pay  you  to  enclose  these  two  pub- 
lications with  all  your  statements  or  bills  going 
out  about  the  31st.  Now  is  the  time  to  thoroughly 
overhaul  your  mailing  list  and  advise  us  how  many 
Phonograms  or  Supplements  you  can  profitably  use. 


12         EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  FEBRUARY,  1914 


SOLVING  THE  PROBLEM  OF  INSTALMENT 

COLLECTION 

THE  INTERESTING  PLAN   FOLLOWED   BY  A   CANADIAN  PHONOGRAPH  MAN  WHOSE 

COLLECTIONS  AVERAGE  NINETY  PER  CENT.— USING  THE  CARD 

SYSTEM  TO  CHECK  UP  ON  CUSTOMERS. 


WITH      the     large    proportion    of    business 
done  by    talking  machine  dealers  on  the 
instalment    basis,   the  question  of  collec- 
tions is  one,  the  importance  of  which  cannot  be 
overrated. 

The  remarks  which  follow  have  been  compiled 
by  an  experienced  collector,  whose  collections 
average  over  90  per  cent,  of  all  accounts  each 
month. 

Instalment  Collections 

We  notify  all  customers  in  advance,  of  the  in- 
stalment due,  and  if  the  instalment  is  not  paid  at 
that  time  follow  up  our  notice  with  a  second  and 
plainer  letter  within  a  week  or  two  weeks  from 
the  due  date.  Then,  if  the  second  notice  has  not 
the  desired  effect,  follow  it  up  again  in  a  similar 
length  of  time  with  a  stronger  letter.  The  advance 
notice,  however,  is  the  important  one,  and  the 
one  that  has  the  most  effect  when   sent  regularly. 

If  the  customer  happens  to  live  in  the  country 
or  some  distance  from  the  post-office,  it  might  be 
well  to  let  a  longer  time  elapse  between  notices, 
as  your  letters  may  not  be  received  as  promptly 
as  they  would  be  where  they  have  a  delivery,  or 
where  the  post-office  is  handy. 

When  a  customer  replies,  making  an  indefinite 
promise,  exact  a  definite  date.  Look  for  payment 
at  that  time  and  let  the  customer  understand  that 
you  are  expecting  it  exactly  as  promised.  Cus- 
tomers will  at  times  promise  payments  "shortly" 
or  "as  soon  as  possible,"  which  might  mean  any 
time,  and  if  you  accept  a  promise  like  this  you  are 
then  unable  to  again  ask  for  payment  for  probably 
a  longer  period  than  would  be  necessary  if  the  exact 
date  were  set. 

A  great  majority  of  people,  that  is,  even  those 
who  are  considered  good  pays,  are  likely  to  overlook 
an  instalment,  or  to  allow  five  or  six  weeks  to  elapse 
between  payments,  which  of  course,  means  that 
several  instalments  are  skipped  within  a  year's 
time,  whereas,  if  they  are  reminded  regularly  they 
cannot  overlook  the  date.  They  also  know  that 
their  account  is  being  watched  carefully,  it  naturally 
having  a  tendency  to  make  them  more  prompt  and 
careful. 

Never  grant  an  extension  of  time,  or  make  any 
concessions  in  the  terms  of  the  contract  without 
first  ascertaining  the  why  and  the  wherefore  as  in 
a  great  many  cases  the  time  is  not  really  required, 
and  besides,  if  requests  of  this  kind  are  granted 
promiscuously,  the  customer  is  more  likely  to  make 
a  similar  request  again  in  a  short  time,  thinking 
that  it  makes  little  or  no  difference  to  you,  or  think- 
ing that  all  they  have  to  do  is  to  ask  for  the  addi- 
tional time,  when  it  will  be  granted.  If  you  con- 
sider, however,  that  an  extension  is  really  required, 
and  you  feel  that  the  customer  is  deserving  of 
leniency,  do  not  grant  the  same  begrudgingly,  as 
you  would  often  hurt  the  feelings  of  your  customer, 
and  would,  in  some  cases,  stand  in  the  way  of  their 
recommending    new    business,    and    would    defeat 


your  very    object    in    granting    it — cementing   his 
good  will. 

If  a  customer  offers  a  smaller  amount  than  is 
due,  without  making  any  comments,  draw  his 
attention  to  the  fact,  that  the  payment  is  short, 
asking  for  the  full  amount,  or  asking  that  the  short- 
age be  made  up  within  a  certain  length  of  time. 
If  this  course  is  not  pursued,  customers  will  pay 
partial  instalments,  and  if  nothing  is  said  at  the  time, 
they  naturally  think  you  are  satisfied  and  will  most 
likely  drift  into  the  habit  of  making  short  payments 
each  month  or  quarter,  as  the  case  may  be.  This, 
of  course,  you  wish  to  avoid. 

System 

We  have  found  one  of  the  best  plans  of  keeping 
track  of  an  instalment  account  to  be  the  card  sys- 
tem and  a  diary  or  ticker,  that  is,  having  all  par- 
ticulars t>f  the  sale  on  the  front  of  the  card,  in  fact, 
have  it  practically  the  same  as  the  page  of  your 
ledger,  and  then  arrange  these  cards  alphabetically, 
entering  the  names  in  your  diary  several  days 
before  the  due  date,  or  several  days  before  you 
wish  it  to  next  come  before  your  notice. 

When  all  your  accounts  are  arranged  in  this 
system,  take  each  day's  cards,  giving  them  the 
necessary  attention,  enter  the  names  forward  on 
the  dates  that  you  next  wish  them  to  come  under 
your  notice.  By  keeping  the  payments  posted 
regularly,  and  noting  all  memoranda,  such  as 
letters  sent,  extensions  granted  or  promises  made, 
on  the  back  of  the  card,  you  have  at  all  times  a 
true  history  of  the  account  from  the  start. 

Customers  are  likely  to  request  a  month's  exten- 
sion on  the  strength  of  a  promise  to  catch  up  the 
following  month  or  at  a  future  date,  and  if  you  have 
not  a  card  system  in  vogue  for  keeping  track  of 
such  promises,  they  are  liable  to  be  overlooked  and 
the  customers  will,  in  many  cases,  when  not  re- 
minded, just  pay  the  current  monthly  or  quarterly 
instalment  without  making  an  attempt  to  include 
the  back  payments  as  promised. 

Courtesy 

Always  greet  your  customers  in  a  friendly  manner, 
no  matter  how  bad  a  delinquent  he  or  she  may  be, 
or  even  though  you  know  that  you  intend  talking 
pretty  plainly  to  the  extent  of  threatening  a  suit 
or  enforcing  the  lien. 

Let  them  also  leave  with  a  pleasant  good-bye, 
no  matter  how  you  have  to  scold,  as  your  scolding 
then  has  a  better  effect  and  more  weight,  they 
understanding  that  it  is  entirely  business  and  not 
in  any  way  personal  animosity. 

Of  course  no  set  rules  can  be  made  governing  all 
cases,  as  many  times  an  individual  case  requires 
special  leniency,  or  again  it  may  be  that  it  would 
not  be  policy  to  be  as  liberal  with  some  parties  as 
you  would  ordinarily. 

The  writer  feels  that  if  the  above  hints  are  acted 
upon  that  instalment  accounts  as  a  whole  can  be 
kept  up  to  as  high  a  standard  as  possible,  but,  of 
course,  it  is  impossible  to  collect  one  hundred  per 
cent,  of  the  amount  due  each  month  at  all  times. 

[From  the  Music  Trade  Review.] 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  FEBRUARY,  1914  13 


ORVILLE  HARROLD   LISTENING 
TO  THE  DISC 

WHILE  in  Topeka,  Kansas,  filling  an  engage- 
ment at  the  Grand  Opera  House,  Orville 
Harrold  listened  for  the  first  time,  to  the 
Edison  Records  he  had  made  on  the  disc,  at  the 
display  rooms  of  the  Santa  Fe  Watch  Co.,  our 
representatives  there.  He  was  enthusiastic  over  the 
tone  quality  of  the  disc  and  said  he  considered  it  far 
superior  to  anything  he  had  ever  heard  in  the  phono- 
graph line.  As  Mr.  Harrold  has  made  records  for 
other  companies,  this  is  a  comment  worthy  of  notice. 
Orville  Harrold  has  had  a  most  rapid  rise  in 
public  favor  as  a  vocalist  of  unusual  power.  Dis- 
covered some  four  or  five  years  ago  by  Oscar 
Hammerstein,  he  appeared  in  Victor  Herbert's 
opera,  "Naughty  Marietta"  with  Mile.  Trentini, 
and  afterward  as  the  leading  tenor  in  Mr.  Hammer- 
stein's  London  Opera  House,  where  he  did  excel- 
lent work. 

Born  in  Muncie,  Indiana,  Mr.  Harrold  is  a  thor- 
ough American  in  both  taste  and  tradition. 

The  following   Edison   Cylinder   records    are   by 
him: — 

I  Hear  You  Calling  Me  {Marshall) 
Mary — Kind  and  Gentle  is  She  (Richard- 


28110 
28129 
son) 
28112 
28169 
28182 


Snowy  Breasted  Pearl  (Robinson) 
Sweetest   Story   Ever   Told    (Stults) 
La  Favorita  (Donizetti) 


Dana  F.  Parkhurst,  formerly  connected  with 
the  Santa  Fe  Watch  Company,  Topeka,  Kansas, 
has  become  manager  of  the  Edison  Department 
of  the  Tower  Mfg.  Company,  New  York,  and  is 
already  meeting  with  splendid  success. 


~W» 


ANXIOUSLY  AWAITING  THE  DISC 
IN  ENGLAND 

are  pleased  to  learn  that  the  Edison 
use  is  shaping  well  in  America  and  we 
await  with  eager  anxiety  its  appearance  in 
the  English  market.  We  are  not  alone  in  this  wish, 
for  we  are  convinced  that  the  numerous  admirers  of 
Mr.  Edison  in  this  Country  will  welcome  this  latest 
manifestation  of  his  genius.  It  is  now  the  psycho- 
logical moment  for  its  introduction.  The  public  are 
demanding  better  records  and  if  their  interest  is  to 
be  sustained  they  must  have  them  soon.  The  Edi- 
son products  have  always  been  admired  here  by  the 
trade  and  public  alike.  The  high  quality  of  record- 
ing already  shown  to  us  in  the  Blue  Amberol  gives 
some  earnest  idea  of  what  to  expect  when  applied  to 
the  increased  linear  velocity  of  the  disc.  And,  bear 
in  mind,  the  superior  tone  and  volume  which  should 
accompany  these  more  favorable  conditions,  are 
not  the  least  of  our  expectations." — Sound  Wave. 


PHONOGRAPH  ROYALTIES 

ONE  interesting  development  in  connection 
with  the  phonograph  business  is  the  fact 
that  some  famous  singers  and  players  are 
receiving  in  royalties  for  the  records  they  have 
made  as  much  as  #50,000  a  year.  This  income,  at 
least  in  the  case  of  the  greatest  artists,  is  likely 
to  continue  for  years  to  come,  as  the  very  fact 
that  they  have  retired  from  the  stage  makes  the 
opportunity  to  hear  them  in  the  phonograph  all 
the  more  a  thing  to  be  desired. 


Stock  up  now  with  religious  selections  for  the 
Lenten  Season.  See  "Sacred  Records"  in  Blue 
Amberol  Catalog. 


14 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  FEBRUARY,  1914 


O 


o 


o 


Come    to    the    BRQWN    Store    and 

Hear  the  Wonderful  New 

EDISON  DIAMOND  DISC 

PHONOGRAPH 

'  I  ^rilNGS  we  characterize   as    "  impossible"  when  told  us, 
-*-     cease  to  be  miracles  when  seen  and  heard  with  our  own 
eves  and  ears. 


BISHOP  HURST  years  ago  when  told 
that  the  first  tinfoil  phonograph  was  an  in- 
strument that  would  "talk  back  after  being 
talked  to"  characterized  the  announcement 
as  a  fake.  Not  till  he  had  visited  Edison  at 
Menlo  Park  and  heard  his  own  voice  from  it 


The  good  Bishop  is  long  since  dead  but 
there  are  other  doubting  Thomas'es  to-day 
who  won't  believe  the  Second  Edison  Wonder, 
till  they  see  it  and  hear  it  with  their  own 
eyes  and  ears.  They  are 
inclined     to     characterize 


.Id 


belie 


Then  he  MARVELED  !       the  statement  that  it  is 

An  Incomparable 

Musical 

Instrument 


U)0TU  as  an  exaggeration.  But  the  fact  remains  that 
they  will  MARVEL  more  at  its  human  voice  than  did  the  good  Bishop 
in  days  gone  by.  And  the  more  critical  the  ear  the  keener  will  be  the  enjoyment  as  they 
listen.  There  is  absolutely  nothing  with  which  to  compare  it.  It  represents  EDISON'S 
CROWNING  TRIUMPH  to  perfectly  record  and  perfectly  reproduce  sound.  Don't 
argue;    HEAR  IT! 

"Real  Music  at  Last!" 

will  be  your  verdict  as  it  has  been  of  all  who  have  heard  it. 


YOU  WILL  MARVEL  AT 

The  beauty  of  the  overtones. 
The  sweetness  of  the  reproduction. 
The  human  quality  of  the  tone. 
The  perfect  pitch  and  modulation. 

YOU  WILL  BE  DELIGHTED 

No  needles  to  change. 
No  wearing  out  of  records. 

BUT 
A  Diamond  Point  Reproducer. 
Indestructible  records. 
Automatic  stop. 
Beautiful  cabinets. 


RECITALS  EVERY  HOUR 
From  9  A.  M.  to  6  P.  M.  Evening  recitals 
by  telephone  appointment.  We  will  play  it 
whenever  most  convenient  to  you,  for  you 
must  hear  this  marvelous  musical  instru- 
ment. 

Dont  hesitate  to  ask  us  for  an  evening 
appointment. 

You  will  incur  no  obligation  whatever. 
We're  glad  to  demonstrate  it  whether  you 
purchase  or  not.     Come,  bring  your  friends. 


A.  BRQWN  SQN  CO.,  Schenectady,  N    Y 


H 


O 


(Near  reproduction  of  a  large  newspaper  advertisement.     See  page  8^ 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  FEBRUARY,  1914 


IS 


BLUE  AMBEROLS  FOR  APRIL 

To  be  on  sale  March  25th 
CONCERT  LIST 

75  cents  each  in  the  United  States;   $1.00  each  in  Canada 

28192     (a)   Menuett  Cb  Major  {Beethoven);  28193     The  Last  Rose  of  Summer    Marie  Rappold 

(b)  Valse  Bluette  {Dngo)  Kathleen  Parlow 

Violin  solos  Soprano  solo 

28194     The  Lawn  Swing  {Carl  Jean  Tolman) 

Christine  Miller 
Contralto  solo,  with  chorus 


REGULAR  LIST 

50  cents  each  in  the  United  States;   65  cents  each  in  Canada 


2210  Hallelujah,  Christ  is  Risen   {Grant  Colfax 
Tullar)  Edison  Mixed  Quartet 

Easter  anthem 

2211  The  Bubble— High  Jinks  {Rudolf  Friml) 

Emory  B.  Randolph 
Tenor  solo  and  chorus 

2212  All  Aboard  for  Dixie  Land — High  Jinks 
{George  L.  Cobb)  Ada  Jones 

Coon  song  with  chorus 

2213  The  Rosary  {Ethelbert  Nevin) 

Ernst  Albert  Couturier 
Cornet  solo 

2214  A  Little  Love,  A  Little  Kiss    {Lao     Silesu) 

Reed  Miller 
Tenor  solo 

2215  Favorite  Airs   from  The  Pirates   of  Pen- 
zance {Gilbert  and  Sullivan) 

Edison  Light  Opera  Company 

2216  Sit  Down,  You're  Rocking  the  Boat 
{Jean  Schwartz)  Billy  Murray 

Comic  song 

2217  Cavalleria    Rusticana — Siciliana    and    In- 
termezzo {Mascagni) 

American  Standard  Orchestra 

2218  My    Chain    of    Memories    {Mrs.    Herbert 
Ingraham)  Mrs.  Beulah  Gaylord  Young 

Soprano  solo 

2219  Rev.  21:    21  to  25  and  The  Gate  Ajar  for 
Me   (S.  /.   Fail) 

Rev.   Madison   C.   Peters,   D.D.    and 

Edison  Mixed  Quartet 
Scripture  lesson  with  hymn 

2220  My  Love  Nell  {C.  Milligan  Fox) 

F.  Gordon  MacLean 
Baritone  solo 

2221  Hungarian  Fantasia   {Theo.  M.    Tobani) 

Edison  Concert  Band 

2223     Sing  Me  The  Rosary  {F.  Henri  Klickmann) 

Irving  Gillette  and  Mixed  Chorus 
Tenor  solo 

2223  Lullaby  {Chapman) 

Mrs.  Grace  Couch  Embler 
Contralto  solo 

2224  I'm  Crying  Just  for  You  {James  V.  Monaco) 

Ada  Jones  and  Billy  Murray 
Conversational  duet 


2225  The  Junk  Man  Rag  Medley      Fred  Van  Eps 

Banjo  solo 

2226  Love  Divine,  All  Love   Excelling 
{Sir  John  Stainer) 

Marie  Kaiser  and  Royal  Fish 
Sacred,  soprano  and  tenor  duet 

2227  Carmen — Toreador     Song  {Georges  Bizet) 

Alan  Turner 
Baritone  solo  in  English 

2228  Love  is  so  Fickle — Waltz  Hesitation 
{Philip  Kr  use  man)  National  Promenade  Band 

For  dancing 

2229  The   Bells— Burlesque   {Frank   Stillwell) 

Peerless  Quartet 
Male  voices 

2230  I'm  Crazy  'Bout  a  Ragtime  Minstrel  Band 
{Wm.  Tracey)  Edward  Meeker 

Coon  song 

2231  Tango — The  Santley  Tango  (When  Dreams 
Come  True)  {Silvio  Hein) 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 

2232  The  Ragtime  Dream  {Goodwin  and  Brown) 

Arthur  Collins  and  Byron  G.  Harlan 
Coon  duet 

2233  I'm  on  My  Way  to  Mandalay  {Fred  Fischer) 

Albert  H.  Campbell  and  Irving  Gillette 
Tenor  duet 

2234  You're  My  Girl  Medley— Turkey  Trot 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 

2235  (a)  In  de  Alornin';    (b)  Jes'  Gib'  Him  One 
Ob  Mine  {Paul  Lawrence  Dunbar) 

Edward  Sterling  Wright 
Two  readings 

2236  The  Dear  Old  Songs  {Dox  Cruger) 

Will  Oakland 
Tenor  solo  and  chorus 

2237  Pastel-Menuet  {Paradis) 

The  Tollefsen  Trio 
Piano,  violin  and  violoncello 

2238  When  the  Bloom  is  on  the  Cotton,  Dixie 
Lee  (/.  Fred  Helf)  Manuel  Romain 

Tenor  solo 

2239  My   Old    Kentucky    Home    Fantasia 

{Otto  Langey)  Edison  Concert  Band 


Twelve  Folk  Dances — see  page  5. 


Jobbers  of 
Edison  Phonographs  and    Records 


DISC  AND  CYLINDER 

CALIFORNIA 
Los  Angeles — Southern  California  Music  Co. 
San  Francisco — Pacific  Phonograph  Co. 

COLORADO 
Denver — Denver  Dry  Goods  Co. 

CONNECTICUT 
New  Haven — Pardee-Ellenberger  Co. 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago — The  Phonograph  Co. 
INDIANA 
Indianapolis — Kipp-Link  Phonograph'Co. 

IOWA 
Des  Moines — Harger  &  Blish. 

MAINE 
Bangor — S.  L.  Crosby  Co. 
Portland — Portland  Sporting  Goods  Co. 

MASSACHUSETTS 
Boston — Pardee-Ellenberger  Co. 
MICHIGAN 
Detroit — American  Phonograph  Co. 

MINNESOTA 
Minneapolis — Laurence  H.  Lucker. 

MISSOURI 
St.  Louis — Silverstone  Music  Co. 

MONTANA 
Helena — Montana  Phonograph  Co. 

NEBRASKA 
Omaha — Shultz  Bros. 

NEW  JERSEY 
Hoboken — Eclipse  Phonograph  Co. 

NEW  YORK 
Albany — American  Phonograph  Co. 
Gloversville — American  Phonograph  Co. 
Oswego — Frank  E.  Bolway. 

OHIO 
Cincinnati — The  Phonograph  Co. 
Cleveland — The  Phonograph  Co. 
Toledo — Hayes  Music  Co. 

OREGON 
Portland — Graves  Music  Co. 

PENNSYLVANIA 
Pittsburgh — Buehn  Phonograph  Co. 

WlLLIAMSPORT W.  A.  MYERS. 

TENNESSEE 
Memphis — Atwood  Phonograph  Co. 

TEXAS 
Dallas — Southern  Talking  Machine  Co. 
Fort  Worth — Texas-Oklahoma  Phonograph  Co. 
Houston — Houston  Phonograph  Co. 

UTAH 
Ogden — Proudfit  Sporting  Goods'Co. 

VIRGINIA 
Richmond — C.  B.  Haynes  &  Co. 

WASHINGTON 
Seattle — Pacific  Phonograph  Co.,  N.  VV. 
Seattle — Eilers  Music  House. 
Spokane — Graves  Music  Co. 

WISCONSIN 
Milwaukee — Milwaukee  Phonograph  Co. 

CANADA 
Quebec — C.  Robitaille. 

Montreal — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 
St.  John— W.  H.  Thorne  &  Co.,  Ltd. 
Toronto — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 
Vancouver — Kent  Piano  Co.,  Ltd. 
Winnipeg— R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 

Babson  Bros. 
Calgary — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 


CYLINDER  ONLY 

ALABAMA 

Birmingham — Talking  Machine  Co. 
Mobile— W.  H.  Reynalds. 

COLORADO 
Denver — Hext  Music  Co. 

GEORGIA 

Atlanta — Atlanta  Phonograph  Co. 
Waycross — Youmans  Jewelry  Co. 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago — Babson  Bros. 

James  I.  Lyons. 
Peoria — Peoria  Phonograph  Co. 
Putnam-Page  Co.,  Inc. 
Quincy — Quincy  Phonograph  Co. 

IOWA 
Sioux  City — Harger  &  Blish. 

MARYLAND 
Baltimore — E.  F.  Droop  &  Sons  Co. 

MASSACHUSETTS 
Boston — Eastern  Talking  Machine  Co. 

Iver  Johnson  Sporting  Goods  Co. 
Lowell — Thomas  Wardell. 

MINNESOTA 
St.  Paul— W.  J.  Dyer  &  Bro. 
Koehler  &  Hinrichs. 

MISSOURI 
Kansas  City — Schmelzer  Arms  Co. 

NEW  HAMPSHIRE 
Manchester — John  B.  Varick  Co. 

NEW  JERSEY 
Paterson — James  K.  O'Dea. 

NEW  YORK 

Albany — Finch  &  Hahn. 
Buffalo — W.  D.  Andrews  Co. 

Neal,  Clark  &  Neal  Co. 
Elmira — Elmira  Arms  Co. 
New  York  City — Blackman  Talking  Machine  Co. 

J.  F.  Blackman  &  Son. 

I.  Davega,  Jr.,  Inc. 

S.  B.  Davega  Co. 

Greenhut-Siegel-Cooper  Co. 
Rochester — Talking  Machine  Co. 
Syracuse — W.  D.  Andrews  Co. 
Utica — Arthur  F.  Ferriss. 
William  Harrison. 

PENNSYLVANIA 
Philadelphia — Louis  Buehn. 

Penn  Phonograph  Co. 

H.  A.  Weymann  &  Son. 
Scranton — Ackerman  &  Co. 

RHODE  ISLAND 
Providence — J.  A.  Foster  Co. 
J.  Samuels  &  Bro. 

TEXAS 
El  Paso— W.  G.  Walz  Co. 
San  Antonio — H.  C.  Rees  Optical  Co. 

VERMONT 
Burlington — American  Phonograph  Co. 


m*  EDISON 

PHONOGRAPH 


MONTHLY 


«©£  EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY 


CONTENTS  FOR  MARCH,   1914 


PAGE 

The  Blue  Amberol  a  Business  Builder 3 

Lucrezia  Bori 4 

Governor  Hodges  of  Kansas  and  the  Disc...  5 
Who's    Who   Among    Edison    Jobbers — The 

Kipp-Link  Phonograph  Co 6 

What  Should  a  Jobber  Expect  of  a  Dealer; 
What  should  a  Dealer  Expect  of  a  Jobber. 

by  W.  E.  Kipp 7 

Price  Maintenance  Again 8 

Special  Notice  to  Dealers  Ordering  Parts...  8 

More  Edison  Artists 9 

Money  Cannot  Buy  this  Dealers  Edison  Con- 
tract— Louis  Bellaire 10 


PAGE 

The    Edison    Disc   Ultimate    Choice    of    the 
North  Des  Moines  High  School 11 

The  Most  Popular  Song 11 

Some  Edison  Birthday  Aftermaths 11 

Mr.  Dolbeer's  Pacific  Coast  Trip 12 

Cummings  Shepherd  &  Co 13 

St.  Patrick's  Day  Records 13 

Dealers  Questions  Answered 14 

Questions  Asked  Delaers,  Answered 14 

Blue  Amberol  List  for  May 15 

Edison  Jobbers— Disc  and  Cylinder;    Cylin- 
der only 16 


EDISON  DISC  AND 
GOING 


CYLINDER  TRADE 
FINELY 


Laurence  H.  Lucker,  of  the  Minnesota  Phono- 
graph Company,  boasts  of  100  per  cent;  increase 
in  Edison  sales  for  January,  1914,  as  compared 
with  January,  1913.  "We  are  selling  the  Edison 
disc  machines  to  the  best  musicians  and  schools 
in  the  Northwest,"  he  recently  remarked.  "We 
have  sold  to  the  North  Dakota  Normal  at  Minot, 
the  South  Dakota  Normal  at  Brookings,  the  State 
School  at  Faribault,  Minn.,  St.  John's  University 
at  St.  Cloud  and  other  institutions  demanding  the 
best  music.  We  have  sold  Edison  machines  to 
Richard  Czerwonky,  concert-master  of  the  Minnea- 
polis Symphony  Orchestra,  and  Franz  Dick,  a 
member  of  the  same  orchestra.  We  sold  a  #400 
machine  one  week  in  North  Dakota  and  another 
in  St.  Peter,  Minn.,  for  #425." 


"The  Edison  disc  machine  at  #150  is  our  biggest 
seller"  said  Dana  F.  Parkhurst,  Manager  of  the 
Edison  Department  of  the  Tower  Manufacturing 
and  Novelty  Company,  326  Broadway,  New  York. 
"We  are  adding  new  names  to  our  list  of  clients  day 
after  day,  and  with  our  location  in  the  heart  of  the 
business  district  we  are  in  a  position,  of  course,  to 
make  an  impressive  appeal  to  the  downtown  busi- 
ness man.  This  has  helped  our  business  consider- 
ably, for  this  class  of  trade  has  no  use  for  a  low- 
priced  machine  and  very  seldom  thinks  of  pur- 
chasing a  machine  for  less  than  #150  to  #250." 


"One  of  the  pleasing  features  of  the  Edison  disc 
business  is  the  fact  that  the  great  percentage  of  it 
is  based  on  the  machines  selling  at  #150  and  over," 
said  A.  W.  Toennies  of  the  Eclipse  Phonograph 
Company,  Hoboken,  N.  J.  "This  high-class  trade 
is  naturally  very  satisfactory  to  the  Edison  disc 
dealers  in  our  territory,  all  of  whom  predict  an 
excellent  spring  trade  with  the  Edison  disc  phono- 
graphs and  records.  We  have  signed  up  quite  a 
large  number  of  new  dealers  during  the  past  month, 
and  the  cylinder  business  is  also  going  along  splen- 
didly." 


Fred  W.  Brown,  of  Plymouth,  N.  H.,  reports  that 
his  Edison  cylinder  business  is  making  rapid  strides. 
A  very  attractive  window  display  of  the  new 
Amberolas  has  done  much  to  draw  trade,  and  daily 
concerts  are  the  rule.  During  the  visit  of  the 
Edison  representative  a  number  of  prospects  were 
closed,  including  one  Amberola  III  to  a  prominent 
merchant  of  the  town  who  is  most  enthusiastic 
over  its  musical  and  constructive  merits. 


The  Milwaukee  Phonograph  Company,  our  job- 
bers in  Wisconsin,  have  completed  all  arrangements 
for  opening  a  large  retail  Edison  store  at  213-215 
Second  Street  about  March  1,  or  soon  after  that 
date.  William  A.  Schmidt,  manager  of  the  com- 
pany, has  had  the  plan  in  mind  for  several  months, 
but  has  been  waiting  until  he  could  secure  the  proper 
location.  There  are  undoubtedly  wonderful  possi- 
bilities for  a  large  downtown  retail  Edison  store 
in  Milwaukee,  and  Mr.  Schmidt  believes  that  the 
exclusive  location  which  he  has  secured  will  insure 
a  big  business  from  the  high-class  trade. 


"The  Edison  disc  business  went  forward  in  Janu- 
ary just  as  it  did  in  December,"  said  Mr.  Marks 
Silverstone  of  St.  Louis.  "Each  month  sets  a 
standard  a  little  higher  than  the  month  before. 
We  have  this  month  been  pushing  our  campaign 
for  new  dealers  and  we  have  met  with  remarkable 
success.  Our  object  at  present  is  to  prepare  for 
an  extensive  advertising  campaign.  We  are  being 
flooded  with  applications  for  retail  stocks  and  we 
are,  in  many  cases,  making  a  selection  of  the 
various  stores  offered  in  towns  and  accepting  those 
which  we  are  assured  are  energetic  and  willing  to 
undertake  a  reasonable  amount  of  publicity." 


Harger  &  Blish  of  Des  Moines  and  Sioux  City, 
Iowa,  are  doing  some  very  original  and  effective 
illustrated  advertising,  and  reaping  splendid  results. 
They  are  taking  advantage  of  the  publicity  given 
to  grand  opera  and  other  artists  in  Des  Moines,  to 
push  Edison  goods. 


THE    EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH    MONTHLY 

Published  in  the  interest  of 

EDISON  PHONOGRAPHS  AND  RECORDS 

BY 

THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  Inc. 
ORANGE,  N.  J.,  U.  S.  A. 

THOMAS  A.   EDISON.   LTD..  25  CLERKENWELL  ROAD.   LONDON.  E.   C. 

THOMAS  A.  EDISON.  LTD..  364-372  KENT  STREET,  SYDNEY,   N.  S.  W. 

COMPANIA  EDISON  HISPANO-AMERICANA,  VIAMONTE  SIS,  BUENOS  AIRES. 

EDISON  GESELLSCHAFT,  M.  B.  H.  10  FRIEDRICHSTRASSE,  BERLIN. 

COMPAGNIE  FRANCAISE  THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  59  RUE  DES  PETITES-ECURIES,  PARIS. 


Volume  XII 


MARCH,  1914 


Number  3 


THE  BLUE  AMBEROL  AS  A  BUSINESS 

BUILDER 


THERE  is  big  money  in  Blue 
Amberols  for  the  live,  hustling 
dealer.  WE  KNOW  IT,  and  we 
are  backing  up  our  belief  by  a  splendid 
line  of  Blue  Amberol  selections. 

It  is  encouraging  to  note  that  many 
Edison  Cylinder  dealers  are  realizing  the 
truth  of  this  and  that  their  sales  are 
growing  larger  and  steadier  month  by 
month.  They  are  reaching  the  masses 
who  want  good  music  at  a  popular  price; 
for  the  Blue  Amberol  exactly  meets  this 
need. 

Wherever  enterprise  is  shown  by  the 
dealer  in  advertising  and  demonstrating 
the  Blue  Amberol,  there  the  sales  are 
correspondingly  brisk  and  a  steady 
trade  is  built  up.  It  is  a  dependable 
record,  and  of  splendid  value. 

Take  a  popular  vocal  or  instrumental 
selection,  and  let  the  Blue  Amberol  play 
it;  then  take  the  same  selection  and  let 
one  of  the  discs  in  circulation  play  it. 
The  tone  of  the  Blue  Amberol  is  admit- 
tedly superior;  it  is  clearer,  truer, 
sweeter.       Leave    it    to     any    impartial 


judge;  the  Blue  Amberol  takes  the  pre- 
ference every  time.  This  is  not  a  theory; 
it  is  a  fact.  For  50  cents  or  75  cents  an 
Edison  Blue  Amberol  patron  can  buy 
a  record  which  in  disc  form  often  sells 
for  31-50  to  33.00  or  more  and  can  get 
superior  tone  results. 

But  there  is  an  even  stronger  econo- 
mical reason  why  the  Blue  Amberol  is 
a  far  better  purchase  than  many  discs. 
It  is  because  a  diamond  is  used  to  play 
it,  rather  than  a  needle.  You  never 
change  the  diamond,  nor  deteriorate 
the  Blue  Amberol  by  its  use;  you  .are 
constantly  changing  a  needle  and  as 
constantly  deteriorating  the  disc  in  using 
it,  so  that  eventually  a  needle-used-disc 
must  be  discarded,  if  sensitive  ears  are 
to  be  respected. 

Thousands  of  homes  await  the  com- 
ing of  the  Blue  Amberol  record — homes 
that  cannot  afford  to  play  out  31.50  to 
35.00  for  a  new  record.  To  these  homes 
an  Edison  cylinder  dealer  can  go  with 
the  strongest  kind  of  an  inducement. 
He  has  the  intense  satisfaction  of  offer- 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MARCH,  1914 


ing  a  thoroughly  dependable  record  at  a 
popular  price  and  a  wearing  quality 
unapproached.  There  are  the  three 
prime  factors  that  any  merchant  con- 
siders sound  merchandising — popular 
price,  dependable  goods,  splendid  wearing 
value.  And  then  the  field,  as  we  have 
said,  is  limitless — untouched. 

The  Blue  Amberol  repertoire  is  an- 
other strong  inducement.  Many  of  the 
best  singers  and  instrumentalists  are 
already  included  and  the  list  is  growing 
rapidly.  Every  Blue  Amberol  is  selected 
with  infinite  care  and  passed  upon  by 
competent  music  critics. 

In  all  fairness,  now,  we  would  like 
to  ask  the  dealer  who  knows  the  "talking 
machine"  selling  field,  where  he  can 
duplicate  the  Blue  Amberol  qualities. 
Sum  them  up:  (1)  popular  price;  (2) 
clear  sweet  tone;  (3)  unbreakable;  (4) 
long  playing;  (5)  extensive  up-to-date 
repertoire;  (6)  played  by  a  diamond 
(not  a  needle);  (7)  long  life  qualities; 
(8)  attractively  put  on  the  market;  (9) 
uniform  excellence;  (10)  home-recording 
feature. 

The  conviction  forces  itself  upon  any 
fair-minded  business  man  that  here  is 
an  article  which  must  be  classed  as  a 
"business  builder"  if  properly  pushed. 
And  there  is  every  reason  in  the  world 
why  the  Edison  cylinder  dealer  should 
bestir  himself  to  greater  efforts.  Things 
won't  sell  themselves,  however  good;  it 
takes  intelligent  planning.  Put  as  much 
thought  on  the  Blue  Amberol  proposi- 
tion as  you  do  on  other  business  oppor- 
tunities and  you  will  make  a  success 
that  will  entirely  remove  any  doubt 
about  the  situation. 

The  Blue  Amberol  proposition,  there- 
fore, for  the  energetic  dealer,  resolves 
itself  into  a  matter  of  methods  and  plans 
for  finding  the  thousands  of  homes  waiting 
for  it.  They  exist,  sure  enough.  Plan 
to  reach  them;  plan  more  vigorously 
than  ever.  WE  STAND  BACK  OF 
YOU! 


LUCRETIA  BORI 

THE  YOUNG  SOPRANO  OF  GREAT 

PROMISE 

ALTHOUGH  world-famous,  Miss  Bori  is  only 
just  beginning  her  real  career.  She  is  already 
the  most  renowned  Spanish  soprano.  Only 
twenty-four  years  of  age,  she  is  pretty,  has  a  charm- 
ing personality  and  keen  musical  perception.  She 
never  fails  to  charm  her  audiences  with  her  manner 
as  well  as  with  her  art. 

Born  at  Valencia,  Spain,  in  1889,  she  studied 
under  Vidal  of  Milan  and  made  her  debut  at  Rome 
in  1908.  For  two  years  she  sang  in  "Manon  Les- 
caut"  with  the  Metropolitan  Opera  Company 
during  its  season  at  the  Chatelet  in  Paris,  also  at 
La  Scala  in  Milan,  and  in  Buenos  Ayres,  South 
America.  In  Milan  she  created  the  part  of  the 
Goose  Girl  in  "Konigskinder,"  and  also  the  soprano 
part  in  Strauss'  "Rozenkavalier."  New  York  has 
heard  her  at  the  Metropolitan  Opera  House,  where 
among  many  other  roles  she  sang  the  part  of  Manon 
in  Puccini's  Opera  and  Antonio  in  "The  Tales  of 
Hoffman"  with  great  success. 

Speaking  of  her  very  recently  success  at  the  Met- 
ropolitan Opera  House,  New  York,  the  New  York 
Sun  says: — 

"One  of  the  joys  of  the  observer  of  musical  doings  is  to  watch 

the  development  of  new  artists It  is  deeply  interesting 

in  these  days  to  keep  one's  eyes  upon  the  career  of  such  a  singer 
as  Lucretia  Bori;  her  recognition  by  New  York  audiences 
seems  to  be  somewhat  in  danger  of  delay.  She  made  her  debut 
at  the  Metropolitan  November  11th,  1912,  the  opening  night 
of  the  season,  singing  Manon,  in  Puccini's  "Manon  Lescaut." 
At  that  time  the  writer  noted  she  had  a  voice  of  beautiful 
natural  quality,  but  that  the  techniques  of  her  delivery  were 

deficient The  Sun's  chronicler  does   not  know  whether 

Miss  Bori  has  been  studying  with  any  master  of  voice  since 
that  time  or  not.  However,  she  has  made  great  strides  in  her 
art,  and  in  the  current  season  has  suddenly  revealed  herself 

as  a  very  important  young  soprano Opera  goers   must 

keep  their  eyes  and  their  ears  open.  This  young  woman  is 
not  singing  or  acting  as  she  did  a  year  and  a  quarter  ago;  she 
has  developed  rapidly  and  is  worthy  of  serious  attention.  If 
ahe  is  not  swayed  from  her  artistic  purposes  she  will  force  her 
way  into  the  front  rank  of  great  artists." 


Records  by  Lucretia  Bori 
Edison  Blue  Amberol  Records; — 

28122  Mi  chiamano  Mimi  (My  Name  is  Mimi) — 
La  Boheme,  Puccini.     In  Italian. 

Edison  Disc  Records : 

83003  So  Anch'  10  La  Virtu  Magica  (I  too,  Thy 
Magic  Powers  Know) — Don  Pasquale, 
Donizetti.  Soprano  Solo  in  Italian.  Re- 
verse side:  Celeste  Ai'da — Ai'da,  Verdi. 
Tenor  solo  in   Italian,  Alessandro    Bonci. 

80102  Malaguena,  Pagans,  (Spanish  Song).  Re- 
verse side:  Hark!  What  I  Tell  to  Thee 
(The  Spirit  Song),  Haydn.    Soprano  Solo. 

82517  Valse  (Juliet's  Waltz  Song)— Romeo  et 
Juliette,  Gounod.     Soprano  in  French. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MARCH,  1914 

Governor  Hodges  of  Kansas 


AT  HOME  WITH  AN  EDISON  DISC 
PHONOGRAPH 


GOVERNOR  GEORGE  H.  HODGES  of 
Kansas,  declares  there  is  nothing  more  rest- 
ful after  a  strenuous  day  of  State  business 
than  an  evening  at  home  with  the  Edison  Disc 
Phonograph.  The  chief  executive  of  the  State 
spends  some  of  his  happiest  hours  listening  to  the 
disc  while  in  the  enjoyment  of  family  felicities. 
The  Governor's  son,  shown  in  the  photograph,  like 
his  august  father,  knows  good  music  when  he 
hears  it  from  the  Edison  disc.  With  a  good  cigar 
— which  the  boy  in  glee  again  and  again  attempts 
to  prevent  his  father  from  lighting — and  good 
music,  "the  cares  that  infest  the  day  close  their 
tents  like  the  Arabs  and  as  silently  steal  away." 

The  tired  business  man  cannot  do  better  than 
follow  the  Governor's  example,  and  stay  at  home 
evenings  with  his  family,  and  let  an  Edison  disc 
dispense  pleasure  to  him  and  to  all.     It's  a  sane  and 


a  rational  way    to  get  the  relief    that  a  strenuous 
man  must  have. 

Where  the  disc  is  properly  presented  to  such  a 
man  (as  it  was  in  the  Governor's  case  by  the  genial 
Mr.  Woodward,  of  the  Santa  Fe  Watch  Co., 
Topeka)  a  sale  is  almost  inevitable.  The  dealer 
who  follows  up  a  lead  of  this  kind,  has  the  sure 
support  of  the  man's  whole  family  behind  him, 
because  the  family  put  a  premium  on  the  busy 
father's  evenings  at  home  and  are  glad  to  endorse 
musical  entertainment  of  a  high  order  right  in  the 
home.  One  prominent  business  man  won  over  by 
a  dealer's  tact  and  enterprise,  will  soon  bring  others 
because  of  such  an  one's  personal  endorsement. 
Have  you  seen  your  governor,  Mr.  Dealer?  Have 
you  seen  your  congressman,  your  mayor,  your  able 
business  men?  Follow  the  lead  set  by  Mr.  Thomas 
of  the  Santa  Fe  Watch  Co.,  and  go  after  them. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MARCH,  1914 


WHO'S  WHO  AMONG  EDISON  JOBBERS 

THIRD  ARTICLE 


in  Indianapolis  and  it  hardly  looked  possible  that 
there  was  room  and  business  enough  for  a  third.  Mr. 
Kipp,  however,  had  studied  the  situation  and  be- 
lieved that  the  other  jobbers  were  overlooking  all 
sorts  of  good  opportunities  in  that  territory  and 
insisted  on  a  chance  to  get  in.  After  incorporating 
a  small  company  among  his  friends,  he  started  ener- 
getically to  build  up  a  solid  business. 

Needless  to  say,  when  the  new  firm  entered  the 
field,  the  two  older  jobbers  felt  quite  confident, 
that  the  new  firm  could  not  last  very  long  and  that 
it  would  soon  drop  out.  Those  two  jobbers  never 
missed  a  guess  any  further.  They  did  not  realize 
that  they  had  met  with  a  tarter  for  work  and  one 
who  knew  of  their  many  mistakes  and  what  was 
being  missed.  Little  by  little  he  won  over  the 
dealers  in  the  territory,  and  it  wasn't  long  before 
the  two  older  jobbers  lost  out  entirely.  They  have 
since  disappeared  from  the  field,  and  now  Mr.  Kipp 
has  not  only  built  up  a  beautiful  business,  but  is 
recognized  as  one  of  the  foremost  Edison  jobbers 
in  the  country  and  has  made  a  host  of  friends.  It's 
the  same  old  story,  "Where  there  is  a  will  there 
is  a  way." 

The  dealers  who  happened  to  be  in  his  territory, 
know  full  well  how  untiresome  he  has  been  in  his 
efforts  to  please  them  and  how  willing  he  has 
always  been  to  help  and  do  for  them.  There  are 
in  fact  many  of  the  dealers  in  this  territory  who  owe 
much  of  their  success  to  the  good  and  encouraging 
advice  he  has  always  given  them;  particularly  is  this 
true  among  many  who  became  doubtful  at  times  and 
wanted  to  divide  their  interests  with  competing 
lines.  He  is  a  staunch  believer  in  the  principle  that 
"a  man  can  have  his  heart  in  only  one  make  of  goods 
in  this  business,  and  where  his  heart  is,  that  is 
the  line  he  is  bound  to  sell."  That  is  certainly  very 
true,  and  needless  to  say  Mr.  Kipp  has  his  heart 
in  the  Edison  line. 

One  of  his  greatest  hobbys  is  watching  the  smaller 
details  of  the  business.  Those  who  are  associated 
with  him  have  often  received  a  good  sound  lecture 
for  neglecting  some  little  item  like  sending  a  feed 
nut,  or  some  other  small  part  they  thought  un- 
important. 

"Take  care  of  the  little  orders  with  absolute 
accuracy,  and  you  are  bound  to  get  the  big  ones" 
is  a  rule  that  he  has  established  and  followed  to 
to  the  letter. 

This  same  rule  is  also  followed  by  the  travelers 
on  the  road. 

Some  few  years  ago  Mr.  Kipp  and  "his  boys" 
(as  he  calls  those  connected  with  him),  decided  they 
would  call  themselves  "CAN'T-BE-BEAT"  EDI- 


W.   E.  KIPP,  President  of 

KIPP-LINK  PHONOGRAPH 
COMPANY 

Our  ''Can't-be-beat"  Jobbers  at 
Indianapolis,  Ind. 

ELEVEN  years  as  a  close  student  of  the  Phono- 
graph business  has  made  this  hustling  Hoosier 
one  of  the  most  interesting  characters  among 
our  jobbers,  and  we  believe  that  a  few  lines  about 
him  will  not  only  be  interesting,  but  help  some 
dealers  who  have  been  doubtful  at  times,  to  cheer 
up  and  get  busy. 

Those  who  have  known  Mr.  Kipp  are  well  aware 
that  he  hasn't  had  easy  sailing  during  his  career 
by  any  means,  and  that  his  success  again  goes  to 
prove  that  having  confidence  in  the  goods  remains 
the  only  sure  way  to  succeed. 

Mr.  Kipp  is  President,  Treasurer  and  General 
Manager;  in  fact  he  is  practically  the  whole  firm 
itself  having  bought  out  Mr.  Link  and  the  other 
members  of  that  firm  four  years  ago.  The  firm 
name  was  never  changed  because  he  felt  that  the 
name  "Kipp-Link"  was  too  well  established  in  their 
territory. 

Nine  years  ago  when  he  started  in  as  a  jobber 
there  were  two  Edison  jobbers  already  operating 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MARCH,  1914 


SON  JOBBERS.  They  all  realized  that  those 
three  words  certainly  meant  a  whole  lot.  They 
were  determined  however,  to  have  it  just  that  way 
and  they  pitched  into  their  work  with  a  spirit  of 
"Do  or  die."  This  kept  up  until  now  it  is  doubtful 
whether  a  finer  system  for  handling  dealers'  orders 
can  be  found  any  where  in  the  country,  or  is  a 
more  complete  stock  carried  any  where;  all  of  which 
has  made  it  possible  for  them  to  fill  all  orders  on 
the  same  day  they  are  received;  in  other  words  to 
prove  themselves  "Can't-be-beat"  Edison  Jobbers. 

Mr.  Kipp  is  not  by  any  means  the  only  real 
hustler  in  the  Kipp-Link  Phonograph  Company. 
Every  man  in  the  firm  is  a  real  live  hustler;  in 
fact  "hustling,"  seems  to  be  their  specialty.  The 
traveling  men;  the  office  force,  the  stock  clerks  and 
even  the  porter  are  on  the  job  all  the  time,  willing 
to  put  every  effort  to  work  in  order  to  make  the 
business  a  success. 

We  wish  more  of  our  friends  in  the  trade  could 
become  familiar  with  these  Indiana  fellows  because 
they  would  soon  learn  that  the  Edison  line  holds 
big  opportunities  for  every  one  who  will  only  im- 
prove opportunities. 


WHAT  SHOULD  A  DEALER  EX- 
PECT OF  A  JOBBER  ;  AND  WHAT 
SHOULD  A  JOBBER  EXPECT 
OF  A  DEALER 

By  W.  E.  KIPP 

WHEN  asked  to  write  on  this  subject,  I  knew 
it  was  one  that  could  be  made  to  cover 
many  pages.  It  is  not  only  a  very  broad 
subject,  but  one  that  carries  with  it  an  endless 
number  of  changeable  conditions;  and  it  must  be 
remembered  also  that  opinions  along  these  lines 
vary  quite  a  great  deal. 

I  will  therefore  attempt  to  give  my  views  on  the 
subject  in  the  fewest  possible  words. 

First,  I  think  that  the  dealer  expects,  and  has 
every  right  to  expect,  that  his  jobber  should  carry 
a  stock  of  goods  at  all  times  which  is  sufficiently 
large  to  meet  his  trade  requirements.  The  jobber 
should  remember  that  he  is  after  all  the  dealer's 
real  friend  and  support  in  the  business  and  the  one 
on  whom  he  depends  always  for  complete  informa- 
tion regarding  the  line,  as  well  as  to  furnish  the 
goods  promptly.  The  jobber  should  therefore 
always  be  prepared  and  willing  to  give  the  dealer 
every  service  possible. 

He  should  pay  particular  attention  to  the  small 
details  which  so  often  the  dealer  needs  help  on. 
He  cannot  be  too  careful  to  be  prepared  at  all 
times  to  furnish  all  of  the  smaller  repair  parts  as 
well   as    the    larger   and  more   staple    items    on   a 


moment's  notice;  also,  be  always  fully  equipped 
with  printed  matter.  The  little  items  are  the  ones 
that  the  dealer  often  needs  just  as  badly  as  a 
large  order. 

To  do  all  these  things  the  jobber  is  sometimes 
entirely  at  the  mercy  of  the  manufacturers  and  is 
helpless  to  give  good  service,  because  of  his  inability 
to  secure  a  stock  equal  to  the  dealer's  demands. 
However,  it  still  remains  true  that  sometimes  the 
jobber  has  failed  to  anticipate  properly  what  will 
be  expected  of  him,  and  in  this  way  he  causes  his 
dealers  an  annoyance  that  should  be  avoided.  I 
do  not  believe  there  are  very  many  Edison  jobbers 
operating  these  days  who  are  guilty  of  mistakes 
of  this  kind,  as  they  have  all  known  for  a  long  time 
what  a  powerful  and  attractive  line  the  Edison 
goods  have  developed  into,  and  for  this  reason  they 
are  not  only  willing,  but  are  constantly  endeavoring 
to  carry  more  liberal  and  complete  stocks. 

The  dealer  in  my  opinion  has  a  right  to  expect 
good,  honest  advice  from  his  jobber  at  all  times 
as  to  just  what  he  should  order  and  carry  in  stock. 
The  jobber  cannot  always  be  depended  on  in  this, 
but  he  is  usually  fairly  able  to  know  where  one 
dealer's  opportunities  to  handle  certain  items  in 
the  line  are  far  better  than  those  of  another  dealer. 
I  think,  therefore,  that  the  jobber  should  always  be 
as  frank  and  conservative  with  his  dealers  as  possible 
and  guide  them  towards  carrying  as  an  attractive 
and  complete  stock,  but  no  larger  than  is  necessary 
in  his  locality.  In  this  way  he  helps  keep  the  dealer 
from  becoming  overloaded  with  unsalable  goods. 
(Overloading  a  dealer  always  creates  a  feeling  of 
uncertainty  and  should  be  avoided.) 

The  jobber  I  think  should  always  be  willing  to 
go  out  of  his  way  to  help  his  dealers  overcoming 
certain  troubles  which  the  dealer  seems  to  be 
unable  to  cope  with.  He  can  do  this  because  of 
his  thorough  knowledge  of  the  business.  The 
jobber  should  bear  in  mind  that  he  is  devoting 
practically  all  of  his  attention  and  effort  to  this 
one  line  of  goods,  while  a  great  number  of  the 
dealers  only  carry  Edison  goods  in  addition  to 
many  other  lines.  For  this  reason  it  cannot  be 
reasonably  expected  that  the  average  dealer  is  as 
well  posted  as  a  jobber.  It  is  perfectly  true  that 
when  any  important  changes  take  place  in  the  line 
that  the  factory  immediately  sends  complete  Bulle- 
tins describing  such  changes  to  all  of  the  trade. 
The  jobber  usually  absorbs  this  information  and 
makes  it  an  important  part  of  his  business,  while 
the  dealer  very  often  looks  the  Bulletin  over,  takes 
it  for  granted  that  it  is  of  no  great  importance,  and 
soon  loses  sight  of  the  information  it  contained.  Right 
here  is  one  of  the  important  features  of  the  jobbing 
business,  and  where  the  jobber  should  always  be 
prepared  to  give  information  to  the  dealer  that 
happens  to  need  it. 

There  are  many  dealers  who  are  unable  to  carry 
a  complete  stock  of  all  the  different  types  of  ma- 
chines, but  who.  might  have  good  prospects  of  sell- 
ing some  of  the  finer  styles  if  they  could  show 
their  customers  the  article  itself.  It  is  impossible 
for  the  jobber  to  send  these  fine  machines  out  to 
the  dealer  on  approval  and  I  believe  therefore  that 
every  dealer  should  be  made  to  feel  thoroughly  at 
home  to  send  such  prospective  buyers  directly  to 
the  jobber,   and    I   think   that   the  jobber  should 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MARCH,  1914 


use  every  possible  effort  to  help  that  dealer  land 
the  sale.  In  other  words,  the  dealer  should  be 
made  to  feel  that  the  jobber's  display  room  is  also 
his,  and  that  every  service  will  be  rendered  his 
customers  should  he  send  them  to  the  jobber. 

Having  been  in  the  jobbing  business  for  a  num- 
ber of  years  myself,  I  have  had  the  opportunity 
to  make  many  personal  calls  on  most  all  of  my 
dealers,  and  I  have  heard  many  complaints  from 
some  that  were,  indeed,  well  founded;  then  again 
I  have  heard  many  that  were  not. 

A  dealer  should  remember  that  the  jobber  is  not 
a  performer  of  miracles,  but  just  an  ordinary  human 
being  like  most  any  other  fellow;  that  he  has 
an  endless  amount  of  trouble  to  take  care  of  just 
the  same  as  every  one  else.  The  dealer  should  re- 
member that  the  jobber  is  always  trying  to  do 
the  very  best  he  can  to  deserve  that  dealer's  busi- 
ness. It  should  be  remembered  that  he  is  simply  a 
middle  man  in  the  Phonograph  proposition;  one  who 
buys  and  pays  outright  for  the  goods  he  has  to  sell. 

The  dealer  should  always  keep  in  mind  that  the 
jobber's  risks  are  terrific,  and  that  he  very  often 
has  every  dollar  he  owns  at  stake;  in  most  instances 
Edison  jobbers  have  absolutely  nothing  else  to  de- 
pend upon  for  a  livelihood. 

The  dealer  should  remember  also  that  the  job- 
ber's profits  are  very  limited.  It  can  easily  be 
seen,  therefore,  that  the  jobber  needs  every  dollar's 
worth  of  business  that  he  can  get. 

I  think,  that  when  a  jobber  is  doing  all  he  can 
to  please  a  dealer  and  is  giving  him  good  service 
that  it  is  absolutely  wrong  for  that  dealer  to  trans- 
fer his  business  elsewhere.  Of  course,  if  the  jobber 
is  unable  to  give  satisfactory  service  or  should  be 
neglectful,  the  dealer  is  perfectly  entitled  to  seek 
elsewhere  for  the  goods. 

Another  demand  that  the  dealer  should  not 
make  on  his  jobber  and  which  is  always  an  impo- 
sition, is  to  ask  the  jobber  to  send  goods  on  approval. 
This  is  unfair  to  the  jobber  because  his  greatest 
endeavor  at  all  times  is  to  keep  his  stock  clean 
and  fresh  looking  and  in  its  original  factory  pack- 
ing. Further  than  this,  the  jobber  may  receive 
demands  most  any  time  for  the  very  goods  that 
might  go  out  on  approval,  and  then  lose  oppor- 
tunities to  make  bona  fide  sales  on  these  goods;  all 
of  which  robs  him  of  profits  that  he  is  justly  entitled 
to. 

The  greatest  hardship  that  the  dealer  can  possi- 
bly work  on  the  jobber  after  all,  is  to  neglect  pay- 
ing his  bills  promptly.  The  dealer  should  remem- 
ber that  the  jobber  is  buying  from  a  Company 
who  insists  on  prompt  settlements,  and  strictly 
according  to  their  contracts.  As  his  profits  are 
very  small  and  his  expenses  very  heavy,  it  is 
wrong  to  abuse  the  jobber  by  holding  him  up  in 
favor  of  some  other  creditor.  Simply  because 
the  jobber  has  trusted  the  dealer  with  a  liberal 
line  of  credit  should  make  that  dealer  many  times 
more  anxious  to  send  in  returns  promptly  and  so 
prove  his  appreciation. 

As  I  said  at  first,  this  subject  is  one  that  could 
be  made  to  cover  many  pages,  and  I  realize  there 
are  many  points  at  issue  that  I  have  not  covered; 
but  to  sum  up  the  whole  matter,  I  would  say, 
the  dealer  has  a  right  to  expect  every  attention, 
help  and  courtesy  that  the  jobber  can  possibly 
give;  that  he  in  return  should  be  as  fair  and  liberal 
minded  with  the  jobber  as  he  possibly  can. 

I  believe  that  today  a  better  understanding  along 
these  lines  exists  between  the  two  than  ever  before, 
and  I  hope  it  may  be  improved  as  we  go  along. 


PRICE  MAINTENANCE  AGAIN 

OF  all  the  questions  of  public  importance  that 
have  been  and  are  now  agitating  the  public 
and  congress,  none  is  of  more  vital  interest 
to  the  merchant  than  that  of  price  maintenance. 
People  are  coming  to  recognize  the  difference  be- 
tween price  agreement — wherein  two  or  more  pro- 
ducers, by  mutual  understanding,  fix  the  prices  on 
similar  articles,  and  price  maintenance,  wherein  one 
concern  fixes  the  retail  as  well  as  wholesale  price  on 
its  own  product. 

In  a  recent  decision  of  the  Supreme  Court  of 
Washington,  (Fisher  Flouring  Mills  Co.  vs.  C.  A. 
Swanson)  the  court  upheld  the  right  of  the  manu- 
facturers to  fix  the  retail  price  of  its  product.  The 
following  extract  from  the  decision  is  particularly 
interesting  at  the  present  time,  upholding,  as  it 
does,  the  arguments  of  those  who  are  in  favor  of 
honest    merchandising. 

"The  true  competition  is  between  rival  articles,  a  competi- 
tion in  excellence,  which  can  never  be  maintained  if,  through 
the  perfidy  of  the  retailer  who  cuts  prices  for  his  own  ulterior 
purposes,  the  manufacturer  is  forced  to  compete  in  prices  with 
goods  of  his  own  production,  while  the  retailer  recoups  his 
losses  on  the  cut  price  by  the  sale  of  other  articles,  at  or  above, 
their  reasonable  price.  It  is  a  fallacy  to  assume  that  the  price 
cutter  pockets  the  loss.  The  public  makes  it  up  on  other  pur- 
chases. The  manufacturer  alone  is  injured,  except  as  the  pub- 
lic is  also  injured  through  the  manufacturer's  inability,  in  the 
face  of  cut  prices,  to  maintain  the  excellence  of  his  product. 
Fixing  the  price  on  all  brands  of  high-grade  flour  is  a  very  differ- 
ent thing  from  fixing  the  price  on  one  brand  of  high-grade 
flour.  The  one  means  destruction  of  all  competition  and  of 
all  incentive  to  increased  excellence.  The  other  means  height- 
ened competition  and  intensified  incentive  to  increased  excel- 
lence. It  will  not  do  to  say  that  the  manufacturer  has  no  inter- 
ests to  protect  by  contract  in  the  goods  after  he  has  sold  them. 
They  are  personally  identified  and  morally  guaranteed  by  his 
mark  and  his  advertisement." 

The  decision  referred  to,  applies,  of  course,  only 
to  the  State  of  Washington,  and  not  to  interstate 
trade,  but  if  the  retailers  will  do  what  they  can  to 
awaken  public  sentiment,  the  needed  national 
legislation  will  not  be  long  in  coming.  Right  now 
is  the  time  for  making  the  fight  against  the  cut- 
throat specialists,  whose  manner  of  doing  business 
is  always  against  the  interests  of  his  competitors 
and  the  public — and  usually  against  his  own. — From 
Eastman  Kodak  Trade  Circular. 


SPECIAL  NOTICE  TO  DEALERS 

Be  Specific  in  Ordering  Phonograph 
Parts 

Be  specific!  We  cannot  make  it  too  emphatic. 
Jobbers  receive  so  many  indefinite  requests  for 
various  parts  of  the  different  Edison  models  that 
they  are  obliged  to  write  dealers  again  and  again 
for  definite  directions  before  they  can  fill  the  order. 
A  dealer  for  instance  will  write  "Please  send  me 
a  feed  nut."  That  is  too  vague.  He  should  give 
the  catalog  number  in  every  instance.  We  have 
supplied  every  dealer  with  a  "Parts  Catalog" 
(Form  778).  Before  writing  a  jobber  get  the  cata- 
log number  of  the  part  needed  also  serial  number 
of  machine  and  attach  it  to  your  order.  You  will 
thereby  save  both  yourself  and  the  jobber  a  lot 
of  trouble  and  delay.     Be  specific  in  ordering  parts. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MARCH,  1914 

MORE  NEW   EDISON   ARTISTS 

IN  THE  MAY  BLUE  AMBEROL  LIST 


JAMES  E.  WALBANK 
Tenor 


MERLE  TILLOTSON 

Contralto 


ALBERT  QUESNEL 

Tenor 


NEW  EDISON  TALENT  THIS 
MONTH 

MERLE  TILLOTSON  (Mrs.  Bechtel  Alcock) 
has  an  exceptionally  good  contralto  voice 
— one  that  records  splendidly.  Her  tones 
are  even  and  true;  her  interpretations  carefully 
planned  and  delivered  with  great  skill.  She  also 
possesses  a  trait  not  as  common  among  singers  as 
it  should  be — a  very  clear  enunciation.  Her  ren- 
dition of  "Let  Me  Dream  Again"  (2273)  reveals 
the  beauty  and  power  of  her  voice. 

James  E.  Walbank  has  had  a  long  and  success- 
ful career  as  a  tenor  singer.  For  many  years  he 
sang  with  a  leading  opera  company  and  is  also 
well  known  in  concert  work.  The  artistic  qualities 
of  his  voice  can  be  judged  from  the  way  he  sings 
"In  Dreams  My  Own."  (2262). 

Harrold  Jarvis  possesses  a  tenor  voice  that 
shows  much  careful  training.  He  makes  his  debut 
this  month  with  two  songs:  "Scots,  Wha  Ha'e  wi' 
Wallace  Bled"  and  "The  Gift"— both  so  artis- 
tically rendered  that  we  long  to  hear  him  sing  again 
and  again. 

Albert  Quesnel  has  a  dependable  technique 
and  his  voice  displays  the  training  of  an  artist. 
He  sings  "Hosanna"  (2286)  the  well-known 
Easter  anthem  with  exceptional  fervor  and  effec- 
tiveness; he  also  renders  the  world-wide  Christ- 
mas anthem  "Chantique  de  Noel"  (2285)  very 
beautifully.     He  has  a  fine  tenor  voice. 

OTHER  FEATURES  THIS  MONTH 
Marie  Narelle  sings  fascinatingly,  two  Scotch 
songs,  for  which  her  voice  is  exactly  suited:  "Bonnie 


Dundee,"  by  Sir  Walter  Scott,  and  "Jessie,  the 
Flower  o'  Dunblane. 

Uncle  Josh  is  always  good,  and  in  "Moving 
Day  at  Punkin  Centre"  (2279)  is  unusually  funny. 

Donald  Chalmers'  deep,  full,  round  bass  voice 
is  heard  to  advantage  in  a  song  just  adapted  to  it: 
"A  Song  of  Steel"  (2269). 

"Peg  o'  My  Heart"  on  the  violin,  by  Charles 
D'Almaine  has  the  irresistible  swing  of  the  song 
itself  (2263). 

"Moonlight  on  the  Lake"  (2278)  is  another 
capital  record,  which  is  going  to  be  a  favorite  with 
young  people.  Nothing  better  to  take  on  an  out- 
ing this  summer. 

Joe  Belmont's  superb  whistling  effects  in  imita- 
tion of  the  birds  is  about  perfect.  You  will  think 
so  when  you  hear  an  "Afternoon  in  June."  It's  a 
catchy,  novel  record  and  will  sell  big. 

"Softly  and  Tenderly"  (2265)  will  never 
cease  to  be  a  popular  hymn  with  all  denominations 
of  Christians.  Here's  a  record  by  which  to  reach 
your  church-going,  hymn-loving  patrons.  It  will 
never  grow  old,  so  that  you  can  stock  up  with  it 
and  feel  that  it  is  a  staple  article. 

The  Vaudeville  selections  are  especially  good 
this  month.  "Hiram  Tucker"  (2274)  has  a  catchy 
swing.  It  will  prove  a  splendid  seller.  "Camp 
Meeting  Band"  (2268)  is  another  good  one;  so  is 
"When  You're  All  Dressed  Up"  (2256)  and  "You're 
Here  and  I'm  Here"  (2252).  These  are  the 
records  to  get  in  anticipation  of  big  sales. 

The  Dance  selections  are  all  fine  including 
another  Turkey  Trot.  Now  is  the  time,  while 
dancing  is  the  craze,  to  keep  a  good  supply  of 
dancing  records. 

The  whole  list  is  so  varied  that  you  cannot  make 
a  mistake  in  placing  a  liberal  order.  "To  be  fore- 
warned is  to  be  forearmed."  We  have  forewarned 
you  that  this  is  a  popular  splendid  selling  list;  now 
be  forearmed,  by  placing  a  good,  generous,  order 
with  confidence  and  enthusiasm. 


10 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MARCH,  1914 


MONEY  CANNOT  BUY  THIS  DEALER'S 
EDISON  CONTRACT 

E~"JIS  BELLAIRE,  Le  Mars,  Iowa,  is  an  Edison  enthusiast.  To  Harger  & 
Blish,  his  jobbers,  is  due  the  credit  for  having  started  him  in  the  Edison 
line,  and  then  favoring  him  in  every  way  with  good  service  and  helpful 
advice.  The  result  is  that,  although  Le  Mars  is  a  town  of  but  4000  popula- 
tion, Mr.  Bellaire  writes,  "I  know  of  no  proposition  that  has  a  brighter  future 
than  that  of  an  Edison  Disc  agency."  By  special  permission  we  reprint  Mr. 
Bellaire's  letter  of  January  6th,  1913,  and  then  his  letter  six  months  later;  also 
a  facsimile  of  his  check  for  $1574.90  covering  prompt  settlement  within  the 
30-day  limit  for  his  December  account.  This  is  only  one  of  many  similar 
instances  where  jobber  and  dealer  have  pulled  together  and  built  up  a  pros- 
perous and  solid  Edison  business.  No  amount  of  money  could  induce  Mr. 
Bellaire  to  part  now  with  his  Edison  agency.  His  closing  words  are  signifi- 
cant, "This  looks  bigger  to  me  than  my. piano  business." 


PIANOS 


The  First  Letter 

THE  FAIR 

Variety  Store 


MUSIC 


PIANOS 


LOUIS    BELLAIRE.   PROP. 

Le  Mars,  Iowa,  Jan.  6,  1913. 
Messrs.  Harger  &  Blish,  Des  Moines,  Iowa. 

Gentlemen:  How  about  the  machines?  Have  you 
sent  them?  I  have  the  people  here  all  worked  up  the 
same  as  you  and  the  new  Edison  Disc  worked  me  up  to 
a  point  where  I  lay  awake  nights. 

Already  have  three — I  might  say  sure — prospects  for 
the  Edison  Disc  machines.  I'll  bet  the  talk  I  have  been 
putting  up  to  the  people  here  would  put  Brigg's  argu- 
ments in  the  shade.  They're  all  anxious  to  hear  that 
wonderful  machine. 

Actually,  no  one  could  buy  that  agency  from  me  now 
for  $500.00.    This  may  sound  strong,  but  it's  a  fact. 

If  you  have  not  sent  the  machines,  please  rush  them. 
Send  one  by  express  so  I  can  have  it  here  soon. 
Yours  very  truly, 

Louis  Bellaire. 


Six  Months  Later 
THE  FAIR 

Variety  Store 
louis  bellaire,  prop. 


1913. 


Le  Mars,  Iowa,  June  20, 
Messrs.  Harger  &  Blish,  Des  Moines,  Iowa. 

Gentlemen:  Enclosed  please  fiad  order  for  twenty- 
four  (24)  Edison  Disc  Phonographs  which  you  may  ship 
me  as  per  instructions  which  will  follow  soon.  Mark 
them  all  up  for  me  so  I  can  depend  on  getting  them 
promptly,  as  fifteen  (15)  are  already  sold. 

There  is  bound  to  be  a  big  demand  for  the  Edison 
Disc  goods  this  Fall  as  the  Public  are  rapidly  finding 
out  what  a  wonderful  instrument  the  New  Edison  Disc 
really  is. 

I  know  of  no  proposition  that  has  a  brighter  future 
than  that  of  an  Edison  Disc  agency. 

Very  truly  yours, 


Order: 

7 — $150  Mahogany  Finish 


Louis  Bellaire. 
2— $200  Golden  Oak 
3— $-200  Fumed 
1— $250  Mahogany 


2— $150  Golden  Oak 
5— $150  Fumed  Oak 
4— $200  Mahogany 

P.  S. — You  know  this  looks  bigger  to  me  than  my 
piano  business.  I  see  where  I  am  going  to  make  some 
good  money. 


Check  for  one  month's  business — December  1913 


No 162  i    — 


Le  Mars  Jowa,  -A^uuJ. 
Ikrro  the  <om»er  avp^rSi 


lOljfe 

k 


<*ra«m«prfc*4«?aj* 


^DOLLARS 


fj. 


cx* 


#tH~C>*? 


'!%*fp, 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MARCH,   1914 


11 


THE  EDISON  DISC  THE  ULTIMATE 

CHOICE  OF  NORTH  DES  MOINES 

HIGH  SCHOOL 

ABOUT  a  year  ago  the  people  interested  in 
the  welfare  of  the  North  Des  Moines  High 
School  (which  is  one  of  three  of  our  big 
High  Schools)  decided  to  raise  a  fund  for  the  pur- 
chase of  a  phonograph.  When  their  fund  had  been 
brought  up  to  the  required  amount,  they  looked 
around  to  make  their  choice.  After  having  had 
submitted  to  them  in  a  competitive  test  the  various 
makes  of  phonographs,  our  Edison  salesman  "came 
home  with  the  bacon,"  having  sold  them  not 
a  3200  instrument,  which  they  had  decided  to 
spend,  but  a  3250  Fumed  Oak  Edison  Disc  Phono- 
graph. Every  member  of  the  committee  and  of 
the  school,  and  everyone  around  the  school  inter- 
ested in  this  matter  is  highly  delighted. 

This  is  only  one  of  several  instances  where  the 
Edison  has,  after  a  fair  and  impartial  competitive 
test  won  out  with  flying  colors. 


THE  MOST  POPULAR  SONG 

IT  has  been  stated  by  Henry  T.  Finck,  the  well- 
known  American  critic,  that  in  his  opinion  the 
most  profitable  song  ever  written  was  "Listen 
to  the  Mocking  Bird,"  by  which  publishers  in  all 
parts  of  the  world  have  realized  32,500,000,  and 
which  was  bought  in  the  first  place  from  the  com- 
poser for  335.  And,  according  to  the  same  author- 
ity, 380,000  was  netted  from  Arditi's  "Kiss  Waltz." 

The  highest  price  ever  paid  for  a  song  is  the 
311,200  which  was  paid  a  few  years  ago  at  an  auction 
sale  for  the  copyright  of  Mascheroni's  "For  All 
Eternity."  This  song  then  had  nearly  its  full  term 
of  copyright  to  run,  and  it  shares  with  "Queen  of 
the  Earth,"  the  honor  of  being  the  most  popular 
of  modern  compositions.  Curiously  enough,  "For 
All  Eternity"  was  refused  by  several  publishers 
before  a  well-known  firm  agreed  to  undertake  the 
publishing  of  it,  and  the  venture  turned  out  well. 
The  copyright  of  a  song  lasts  forty-two  years. 

"Farmer's  Violin  Tutor"  was  sold  for  33,760, 
and  the  simple  though  very  pretty  piano  piece, 
"Fairy  Barque,"  consisting  of  six  pages,  realized 
39,050 — over  31,500  a  page.  As  a  curious  instance 
of  the  musical  peculiarities  of  the  public,  it  is  inter- 
esting to  note  that  while  this  little  piano  piece 
was  sold  for  nearly  310,000  in  1893,  the  whole  of 
Verdi's  opera  "II  Trovatore"  only  reached  the  sum 
of  32,515. 

"For  All  Eternity"  is  50064  of  the  Edison  Disc 
records   sung  by  Mascheroni,   tenor. 


SOME   EDISON  BIRTHDAY 
AFTERMATHS 

THE  occasion  of  Mr.  Edison's  67th  birthday 
on  February  11th  brought  many  curious 
incidents  to  light.  Mr.  Edison's  mail  was 
considerably  heavier  than  usual  that  day,  and  the 
crop  of  spring  poems  was  large.  One  correspondent 
who  claimed  a  boyhood  acquaintance,  advises  him 
to  tune  his  Edison  Dictating  Machine,  so  that  by 
turning  a  switch  it  will  repeat  over  and  over  again 
for   anxious   callers    at   the    Laboratory: — 

"Tom's  not  in;    Tom's  not  asleep;   Tom's  not  in  town. 
For  once  in   his  life  Tom's  away — way   off  in   Florida?" 

Then    he    enclosed    a    five-stanza    poem   which 
starts: — 

"Long  years  ago,  when  skies  were  dark 

And  murky  clouds  were  flashing, 

Ben  Franklin  went  to  fly  his  kite 

And  bottled  up  the  lightning. 

Tom  Edison  with  a.eile  brain 

Has  pulled  the  bottle's  cork, 

And  made  the  lightning  sing  and  talk." 


Ex-Senator  "Joe  Blackburn"  of  Kentucky  feel- 
ingly recalled  meeting  Mr.  Edison  thirty  years 
ago.  "He  came  to  my  office  and  sought  an  inter- 
view with  me.  He  was  a  very  ordinary  looking 
mechanic  and  carried  under  his  arm  a  small  bundle, 
carelessly  wrapped  up  in  newspapers.  This  con- 
tained the  first  phonograph.  We  talked  into  it, 
and  to  our  amazement,  heard  our  own  voices  re- 
produced. Edison  told  us  then  that  we  would  live 
to  hear  each  other's  voices  even  though  miles  and 
miles  apart;  that  some  day  we  could  talk  to  each 
other  at  a  distance  without  even  a  wire;  that  we 
could  fly  the  air.  It  seemed  ridiculous,  but  it  has 
come  true!" 


The  Brooklyn   Eagle   said   editorially: — 

"The  man  who  doubts  the  powers  of  Edison  in  the  field 
of  applied  electricity  and  acoustics  is  less  reasonable  than 
the  credulous  who  accepts  the  wonders  of  a  stage  magician. 
Much  depends  upon  Edison  and  the  whole  world  hopes 
he  will  be  spared  to  round  out  and  complete  the  inven- 
tions which  have  made  his  name  foremost  in  the  field 
of   applied    science." 

One  newspaper  man  said:  "Isn't  it  a  shame, 
Mr.  Edison,  that  with  the  tremendous  amount  of 
work  you  have  done,  you  haven't  been  able  to  get 
results."  "Results,"  exclaimed  Edison.  -"Why 
man  I  have  got  a  lot  of  results.  I  know  several 
thousand  things  that  won't  work." 


The  Dexter  (Iowa)  Public  School  has  purchased 
an  Edison  School  Phonograph  and  are- delighted 
with  it. 


Another  newspaper  man  commented  on  the  event 
of  Edison's  birthday  by  observing  that  "he  has  be- 
come very  rich  indeed,  but  this  is  not  often  men- 
tioned; Edison  is  more  interesting  than  his  bank 
account." 


WANTED. 

POSITION  AS  MANAGER  wanted  by  capa- 
ble man  with  fifteen  years  experience  in  the 
Phonograph  business.  Experience  has  been  as 
Manager  with  one  of  the  largest  manufacturers  for 
a  number  of  years;  also  as  Sales  Manager.  Best  of 
references  can  be  furnished.  Address  Manager, 
Care  Edison  Phonograph  Monthly,  Orange,  N.  J. 


12 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MARCH,  1914 


MR.   DOLBEER'S   PACIFIC  COAST  TRIP 

The  February  issue  was    on  the  press  when    Mr.  Dolbeer  returned  so   that  the  following  has    necessarily 
been  delayed  till  this  month.      Mr.    Dolbeer  when  asked  for  a  summary  of  his  trip  said: 


ws 


'HILE  the  prospect  of  leaving  the  office 
one  of  the  busiest  times  of  the  year, 
and  of  being  away  from  home  over  the 
Holidays  was  not  at  all  attractive,  certain  business 
conditions  made  it  seem  advisable.  Consequently  I 
left  Saturday,  December  6th,  via  a  fast  train  over 
the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  for  Chicago  stopping 
there  only  long  enough  to  make  connection  with 
the  "Overland  Limited"  leaving  at  seven  o'clock 
Sunday  night. 

"Reports  from  Colorado  and  Wyoming  indicated 
blizzard  conditions  and  the  possibility  of  being 
snowbound  seemed  imminent  as  the  corresponding 
east-bound  train  was  something  over  twenty-four 
hours  late  and  I  had  visions  of  another  experience 
similar  to  that  of  last  May  when  I  was  held  up 
for  four  days  in  a  Pullman  in  the  terrible  flood 
which  caused  so  much  havoc  in  Ohio  and  Indiana 
at  that  time.  But,  fortunately,  we  pulled  through 
the  snow-belt  only  a  few  hours  late  and  reached 
San  Francisco  at  noon  Wednesday,  December  10th, 
having  made  the  run  of  about  3,300  miles  in  88^" 
hours  which  under  the  conditions  was  great. 

"Remaining  in  that  city  less  than  twenty-four 
hours  I  went  to  Portland,  Oregon,  where  some  time 
was  spent  in  investigating  general  business  condi- 
tions, which  are  not  any  too  good  at  this  time 
although  showing  decided  signs  of  improving  and  in 
fact  are  getting  better  every  day. 

"Seattle  the  next  stop,  while  having  been  affected 
by  similar  conditions  had  begun  to  show  a  marked 
improvement  and  the  outlook  is  fine. 

"In  Vancouver,  B.  C,  the  Edison  dealers  reported 
excellent  business  despite  the  fact  that  it  had  been 
slow  in  other  lines  and  there  is  every  reason  for 
looking  for  good  results  from  that  territory.  The 
Jobber  is  not  only  optimistic  but  every  one  of  his 
associates  are  enthusiastic  over  the  Edison  Diamond 
Disc  Phonographs  and  Records. 

"My  reason  for  visiting  Spokane  was  for  the  pur- 
pose of  learning  the  facts  regarding  the  business 
conditions  but  I  was  much  impressed  with  the 
optimism  being  shown  and  apparently  with  very 
good  reason — as  the  adjoining  territory  principally 
farming  and  fruit  were  producing  large  crops  and 
consequently  buying  freely. 

'"Upon  my  return  to  San  Francisco  where  I  spent 
several  days  I  could  not  but  marvel  at  this  wonder- 
ful city  which  had  arisen  from  the  dreadful  disaster 
of  1906 — not  only  building  better  and  greater  than 
before,  but  at  the  same  time  obligating  themselves 
to  the  extent  of  320,000,000.00  to  erect  buildings 


and  maintain  an  exposition  during  the  year  1915 
which,  while  not  occupying  larger  space  than  some 
former  expositions,  promises  to  be  the  greatest 
show  of  the  kind  ever  given  in  this  country  and  is 
now  so  far  advanced  that  were  it  necessary  could 
be  completed  and  opened  several  months  in  ad- 
vance of  the  advertised  date,  February  20th,  1915. 

"Through  the  courtesy  of  Captain  Baker,  Chief 
of  Exhibits  and  Messrs.  Green  and  Hardee  of  the 
Manufacturers  and  Liberal  Arts  Department,  I  was 
premitted  to  fully  inspect  what  had  already  been 
accomplished  and  there  is  no  question  about  the 
ultimate  success  of  this  exposition. 

"The  conditions  in  San  Francisco  are  improving 
and  there  cannot  be  but  one  result  and  that  the 
best  when  you  come  to  consider  the  optimism  and 
enthusiasm  of  the  people  themselves. 

"There  is  never  but  one  side  to  the  story  when  you 
reach  Los  Angeles  as  you  are  immediately  imbued 
with  the  spirit  which  permeates  the  very  atmos- 
phere and  you  soon  become  as  big  a  "booster," 
not  only  for  the  town,  but  for  all  Southern  Cali- 
fornia as  are  the  native  sons  and  you  are  fortunate 
indeed  (or  unfortunate)  if  you  get  away  without 
investing  your  surplus  in  either  an  orange  grove 
or  an  alfalfa  ranch — personally  each  time  I  have 
visited  that  section  I  find  it  more  difficult  to  not 
only  get  away,  but  there  is  an  ever-increasing  desire 
to  remain  in  the  land  of  even  temperature  and 
fruit  and  flowers.  Of  course  the  pleasant  friend- 
ships formed  has  much  to  do  with  that  feeling. 

"A  short  visit  to  San  Diego  completed  my  stay 
in  that  section,  where  I  had  an  opportunity  to 
inspect  the  Fair  Grounds  and  buildings  now  being 
prepared  for  another  1915  exposition  and  which 
will  certainly  attract  thousands  of  the  visitors  who 
will  flock  to  California  next  year. 

"Leaving  California  and  with  my  head  turned 
toward  home  I  found  it  very  difficult  to  even  make 
very  brief  calls  upon  our  representatives  in  Salt 
Lake  City,  Ogden  and  Denver,  as  after  an  absence 
of  nearly  two  months  the  desire  is  too  strong  to  be 
overcome  so  that  when  Chicago  is  reached  the 
fastest  train  is  none  too  good  and  which  enables  me 
to  arrive  home  Sunday,  January  25th,  1914. 

"Looking  back  upon  the  several  experiences  of 
the  trip,  and  while  some  of  them  were  not  altogether 
pleasant  the  net  results  were  satisfactory  and  an 
opportunity  to  visit  the  trade  in  the  remote  sec- 
tions of  the  country  is  one  to  be  looked  forward  tc 
with  extreme  pleasure  and  mutual  profit." 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MARCH,  1914 


13 


FINE,  NEWLY  EQUIPPED  STORE  OF 
CUMMINGS,    SHEPHERD    &    CO. 

700  HOUSTON  STREET,  FORT  WORTH,  TEXAS 


THIS  firm  have  the  distinction  of  being  the 
only  exclusive  phonograph  store  in  Fort 
Worth  and  the  only  exclusively  Edison  Phono- 
graph store  in  the  State  of  Texas.  On  account  of 
the  store  being  so  deep,  the  picture  does  not  show 
their  Special  Demonstrating  Room  for  Edison  Disc 
Phonographs.  This  room  is  located  to  the  right 
in  the  picture,  and  its  size  is  10  x  18  feet,  giving 
them  plenty  of  room  for  several  styles  of  machines 
besides  seating  room  for  their  customers. 

They  also  have  fine  display  windows  large 
enough  to  hold  three  Disc  machines  each,  cabinet 
size,  and  these  windows  they  make  excellent  use 
of  at  all  times. 

As  a  result  of  the  recent  extra  expense  in  en- 
larging and  modernizing  their  entire  store  their 
trade  has  doubled  in  volume.  Miss  Lillie  Shepherd, 
the  genial  young  lady  proprietor,  is  standing  on 
the  right  while  Mr.  Murray  is  seen  on  the  left.  The 
company  do  a  large  and  ever-increasing  business 
in  both  the  wholesale  and  retail  lines. 


ST.   PATRICK'S  DAY  RECORDS 

THE  occurrence  of  St.  Patrick's  Day  on  the 
17th  of  March  again  brings  into  prominence 
the  jovial,  warm-hearted  Irish  nature  wher- 
ever it  has  migrated;  and  there  are  many  in  America 
who  fondly  recall  the  land  of  their  ancestry  and 
as  fondly  listen  to  distinctively  Irish  songs  and  airs. 
Several  have  been  listed  among  the  Edison  Blue 
Amberols: 


3250  MODEL  EDISON  SELLING  BIG 

C.  E.  Goodwin,  manager  of  The  Phonograph 
Co.,  Chicago,  is  wearing  a  broad  grin  these  days, 
which  is  due  to  a  great  extent  to  the  large  volume 
of  business  which  has  followed  the  liberal  advertis- 
ing campaign  which  this  Company  has  recently 
launched.  He  says:  "The  Edison  has  proved  that 
high-priced  machines  are  the  ones  that  carry  the 
profits  with  them.  We  are  selling  more  of  the  3250 
machines  than  all  of  the  other  instruments  put 
together." 


An  Irish  Husband — The  Marriage  Market 

Asthore  (Trotere) 

Believe  Me  if  All  Those  Endearing  Younj 

Charms 

Come  Back  to  Erin 

Famous  Songs  in  Irish  Plays,  Tenor 

Father  O'Flynn,  Baritone 

Garry  Owen  Medley,  Violin 

Harp  That  Once  Thro'  Tara's  Halls 

I'll  Take  You  Home  Again,  Kathleen 

Irish  and  Scotch  Melodies — Fantasia 

Kathleen  Mavourneen 

Killarney,  My  Home  O'er  the  Sea 

Kitty  O'Neil  Medley  of  Reels,  Violin 

Lass  from  the  County  Mayo 

Little  Bunch  of  Shamrocks,  Tenor 

Medley  of  Irish  Airs,  Concertina 

Norah  Acushla 

Singer  was  Irish 

Wearing  of  the  Green 

When  I  Dream  of  Old  Erin 


2134 

2055 

28108 

28179 

1797 

1805 

2056 

1996 

2103 

2052 
28164 

1958 

1519 

2142 

2013 
23029 

1569 
23014 

1720 

2121 

And  then,  too,  we  must  not  forget  to  add 
another  record  (1600)  "Home,  Sweet  Home  the 
World  Over,"  in  which,  among  the  various  ways  it 
is  rendered  in  different  countries,  the  Irish  way  is 
distinctly  brought  out,  taking  you  in  one  moment 
back  to   real   Ireland   today. 


14 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MARCH,   1914 


DEALERS'  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED 


What  is  the  proper  treatment  for  the  main  spring 
of  an  Edison  Phonograph? 

The  main  spring  of  a  phonograph  supplies  the 
necessary  power  for  driving  the  record  and  is  one 
of  the  most  simple  ways  of  storing  energy.  Although 
it  may  be  wound  up  almost  any  way,  there  is  only 
one  way  which  gives  the  best  results,  both  from 
the  standpoint  of  reproduction  and  preserving  the 
life  of  spring. 

In  winding  the  spring,  turn  slowly  (about  as  fast 
as  you  would  ordinarily  count)  and  do  not  wind  it 
too  tight,  as  by  over-winding,  you  are  liable  to 
cause  the  following  injuries: 

(a)  Break  the  spring. 

(b)  Break  one  of  the  hooks  to  which  it  is  fastened. 

(c)  Force  the  lubrication,  which  is  necessary,  out 
from  between  leaves  of  spring,  thereby  causing 
chugging.^ 

Over-winding  a  spring  while  phonograph  is  play- 
ing will  change  the  pitch  of  reproduction. 

The  spring  acts  most  efficiently  when  it  is  not 
quite  fully  wound,  as  then  the  lubrication  is  well 
distributed  between  leaves;  and  when  well  lubri- 
cated, it  will  unwind  most  freely,  having  the  least 
friction  to  overcome.  We  recommend  that  the 
spring  be  allowed  to  run  down  when  through  play- 
ing phonograph,  and  when  phonograph  is  again 
to  be  played,  it  should  be  wound  as  stated  above, 
and  then  given  a  few  turns  between  the  reproduc- 
tion of  each  record. 

It  is  not  advisable  to  wind  the  spring  during  the 
reproduction  of  a  record.  By  doing  so,  it  will 
often  cause  change  of  pitch.  On  phonographs  hav- 
ing spring  only  strong  enough  to  reproduce  one 
record  with  one  complete  winding,  the  spring 
should  be  wound  after  reproducing  each  record. 

Should  phonograph  set  in  a  cold  place  or  room, 
always  allow  it  to  run  down  completely  when 
through  playing,  as  cold  will  chill  the  steel  of  which 
the  spring  is  made,  and  at  times  cause  it  to  break. 

A  spring,  if  handled  as  already  mentioned  and 
given  proper  attention  such  as  lubrication,  etc., 
will  perform  its  duty  and  last  a  life  time. 


What  is  the  correct  reproducing  speed  for  Edison 
Cylinder  and  Edison  Disc  Phonograph  Records? 

With  genuine  Edison  records,  it  is  not  necessary 
to  change  the  reproducing  speed  of  phonograph 
for  different  selections,  as  our  records  are  all 
recorded  at  one  speed,  namely:  160  revolutions  or 
turns  per  minute  for  cylinder  records,  and  80 
revolutions  per  minute  for  disc  records.  To  get 
the  best  results,  such  as  correct  tempo  and  natural 
reproduction,  it  is  necessary  that  the  record  be 
revolved  at  the  same  speed  at  which  it  was  recorded. 

Speed  of  Cylinder  Records — To  test  speed 
of  Cylinder  Record  Phonograph,  proceed  as  fol- 
lows: Put  a  piece  of  paper  between  record  and 
cylinder,  letting  the  paper  project  slightly  beyond 
cylinder,  then  see  that  phonograph  is  wound  up. 
Next  allow  phonograph  to  run  and  lower  reproducer 
into  playing  position.  Then  place  finger  so  that 
paper  will  strike  it  when  revolving  and  count  the 
number  of  revolutions.  The  record  should  revolve 
at  160  turns  per  minute.  Should  it  not  make  the 
correct  number  of  revolutions  per  minute,  adjusting 
should  be  done  by  the  speed  adjusting  knob.  (For 
location  of  screw,  see  instructions  which  come  with 
every  phonograph). 


Speed  of  Disc  Records — To  test  speed  of 
Disc  record  phonograph,  proceed  as  follows: 
Put  a  piece  of  paper  between  record  and  turn  table, 
letting  the  paper  project  slightly  beyond  turn 
table,  then  see  that  phonograph  motor  is  wound 
up.  Next  allow  phonograph  to  run  and  lower 
reproducer  into  playing  position.  Then  place  finger 
so  that  paper  will  strike  it  when  revolving  and  count 
the  number  of  revolutions.  The  record  should 
revolve  at  80  turns  per  minute.  Should  it  not  make 
the  correct  number  of  revolutions  per  minute, 
adjusting  should  be  done  by  the  speed  adjusting 
screw.  (For  location  of  screw,  see  instructions 
which  come  with  every  phonograph.) 


QUESTIONS  ASKED  DEALERS,  ANSWERED 


Can  I  secure  in  any  way  the  Special  Record  "H," 
"Tramp!  Tramp!  Tramp!"  sung  by  Harlan,  Stanley 
and  chorus? 

I  have  heard  the  record  and  would  like  very 
much  to  own  it  but  am  advised  by  my  Dealer  that 
it  is  not  for  sale  as  an  individual  record?  Is  that 
a  fact? 

[The  dealer  is  entirely  right.  The  record  in 
question,  or  any  other  record  in  the  list  of  Ten 
Special  Records  now  sold  with  combination  attach- 
ments, can  be  obtained  only  through  the  purchase 
of  a  complete  Attachment  Outfit.  They  will  not  be 
sold  as  individual  records.] 

Does  it  improve  a  record  to  clean  it  before  playing 
and  how  is  this  best  accomplished? 

[Yes,  it  certainly  does.  Take  a  piece  of  chamois 
or  soft,  fine  flannel  and  wrapping  it  around  each  Blue 
Amberol  Record  as  it  is  picked  up  to  play,  turn  the 
record  several  times,  thus  cleaning  it — polishing  it, 


so  to   speak.     Try  it.    The 
much  clearer  and  truer.] 


record   will    play  very 


What  sort  of  an  instrument  is  used  in  the  Hawai- 
ian Blue  Amberol  records  Aloha  Oe  C1812)? 

[The  instrument  is  a  Hawaiian  guitar — a  peculiar 
affair.  Much  larger  than  the  guitar  we  Americans 
are  accustomed  to.] 


I  greatly  prize  the  Christian  Science  Communion 
hymn  in  the  April  list.  Are  you  going  to  publish  any 
more? 

There  were  ten  others  you  used  to  have  in  wax 
records;  "Shepherd  Show  Me  How  to  Go,"  and 
"O'er  Waiting  Harpstrings  of  the  Mind."  Will  you 
issue  those,  or  some  other  Christian  Science  hymns? 

[We  cannot  say  at  present.  Should  there  be  a 
demand  for  these  records  it  is  more  than  probable 
they  will  be  listed.] 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MARCH,  1914 


15 


2252 
2253 

2254 
2255 
2256 

2257 
2258 
2259 
2260 

2261 

2262 
2263 
2264 
2265 
2266 
2267 
2268 
2269 
2270 
2271 

2272 
2273 
2274 
2275 
2276 
2277 
2278 
2279 
2280 
2281 
2282 
2283 
2284 
2285 
2286 
2287 
2288 
2289 


BLUE  AMBEROLS  FOR  MAY 

To  be  on  sale  April  25th 
REGULAR  LIST 

50  cents  each  in  the  United  States;  65  cents  each  in  Canada 

Favorite  Airs  from  The  Mascot,  Audran  Edison  Light  Opera  Co. 

You're  Here  and  I'm  Here — The  Laughing  Husband,  Kern,  Baritone  and  tenor 

Kathleen  Kingston  and  Billy  Murray 

In  the  Candlelight,  Brown,  Contralto  and  tenor  Helen  Clark  and  Emory  B.  Randolph 

Fest  Overture,  Leutner  Edison  Concert  Band 

When  You're  All  Dressed  Up  and  No  Place  to  Go — The  Beauty  Shop,  Hein,  Comic  song 

Billy  Murray 

Ring  on  Sweet  Bells,  Nevin,  Baritone  and  Tenor  Vernon  Archibald  and  Royal  Fish 

I  Miss  You  Most  of  All,  Monaco,  Tenor  Manuel  Romain 

Coquetterie — Caprice  Brillant,  Smith  Edison  Concert  Band  (Reed  only) 

Won't  You  Come  and  Waltz  With  Me — The  Girl  on  the  Film,  Sirmay,  Soprano  and  tenor 

Mary  Carson  and  Harvey  Hindermeyer 

Song  of  the  Mill — The  Girl  on  the  Film,  Bredschneider,  Soprano  and  chorus 

Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Chorus 

In  Dreams,  My  Own,  Vanderpool,  Tenor 

Peg  o'  My  Heart,  Fischer,  Violin,  harp  accompaniment 

Love's  Own  Sweet  Song — Sari,  Kdlmdn,  Soprano  and  Tenor 

Softly  and  Tenderly,  Thompson,  Sacred 

My  Hidden  Treasure,  Kalmar,  Tenor 

Nights  of  Gladness — Waltz  Boston,  Auclife,  For  dancing 

Camp  Meeting  Band,  Muir,  Coon  duet 

A  Song  of  Steel,  Spross,  Baritone 

Rebecca  of  Sunny-Brook  Farm,  Gumble,  Tenors 


James  E.  Walbank 

Charles  D'Almaine 

Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Irving  Gillette 

Edison  Mixed  Quartet 

Walter  Van  Brunt 

National  Promenade  Band 

Arthur  Collins  and  Byron  G.  Harlan 

Donald  Chalmers 

Albert  H.  Campbell  and  Irving  Gillette 


There's  a  Girl  in  the  Heart  of  Maryland  Medley — Turkey  Trot.     For  dancing 

National  Promenade  Band 


An  Afternoon  in  June,  Belmont,  Singing  and  whistling 

Let  Ale  Dream  Again,  Sullivan,  Contralto 

Hiram  Tucker,  Burt,  Rube  duet 

Don't  Stop,  Von  Tilzer,  Male  voices 

All  for  the  Girlies  One-step,  Gilbert.     For  dancing 

I'm  Getting  Ready  for  My  Mother-in-law,  Norworth,  Comic  song 

Moonlight  on  the  Lake,  White,  Male  voices 

Moving  Day  at  Punkin  Center,  Stewart,  Talking 

Si  Perkins'  Barn  Dance,  Descriptive  scene 

The  Gift,  Behrend,  Tenor 

Songs  of  Scotland — Part  I 

Songs  of  Scotland — Part  II 

Scots,  Wha  Ha'e  wi'  W7allace  Bled,  Burns,  Tenor 

Cantique  de  Noel,  Adam,  Tenor 

Hosanna,  Granier,  Tenor 

0  Canada  (National  Song  of  the  Dominion),  Lavallee,  Tenor 

Bonnie  Dundee,  Scott,  Soprano 

Jessie,  The  Flower  o'  Dunblane,     Soprano 


Billy  Murray  and  Joe  Belmont 

Merle  Tillotson 

Ada  Jones  and  Byron  G.  Harlan 

Peerless  Quartet 

National  Promenade  Band 

Edward  Meeker 

Knickerbocker  Quartet 

Cal  Stewart 

Ada  Jones  and  Len  Spencer 

Harrold  Jarvis 

Edison  Concert  Band 

Edison  Concert  Band 

Harrold  Jarvis 

Albert  Quesnel 

Albert  Quesnel 

Irving  Gillette  and  Mixed  Chorus 

Marie  Narelle 

Marie  Narelle 


One  of  the  most  varied  and  popular  lists  ever  put  out. 


Jobbers  of 
Edison  Phonographs  and    Records 


DISC  AND  CYLINDER 

CALIFORNIA 
Los  Angeles — Southern  California  Music  Co. 
San  Francisco — Pacific  Phonograph  Co. 

COLORADO 
Denver — Denver  Dry  Goods  Co. 

CONNECTICUT 
New  Haven — Pardee-Ellenberger  Co. 

DISTRICT  OF  COLUMBIA 
Washington — McKee  Surgical  Instrument  Co. 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago — The  Phonograph  Co. 
INDIANA 
Indianapolis — Kipp-Link  Phonograph'Co. 

IOWA 
Des  Moines — Harger  &  Blish. 

MAINE 
Bangor — S.  L.  Crosby  Co. 
Portland — Portland  Sporting  Goods'Co. 

MASSACHUSETTS 
Boston — Pardee-Ellenberger  Co. 
MICHIGAN 
Detroit — American  Phonograph  Co. 

MINNESOTA 
Minneapolis — Laurence  H.  Lucker. 

MISSOURI 
Kansas  City — Western  Phonograph  Co. 
St.^Louis — Silverstone  Music  Co. 

MONTANA 
Helena — Montana  Phonograph  Co. 

NEBRASKA 
Omaha — Shultz  Bros. 

NEW  JERSEY 
Hoboken — Eclipse  Phonograph'Co. 

NEW  YORK 
Albany — American  Phonograph  Co. 
Gloversville — American  Phonograph  Co. 
Oswego — Frank  E.  Bolway. 

OHIO 
Cincinnati — The  Phonograph  Co. 
Cleveland — The  Phonograph  Co. 
Toledo — Hayes  Music  Co. 

OREGON 
Portland — Graves  Music  Co. 

PENNSYLVANIA 
Pittsburgh — Buehn  Phonograph^Co. 

WlLLIAMSPORT W.  A.  MYERS. 

TENNESSEE 
Memphis — Atwood  Phonograph  Co. 

TEXAS 
Dallas — Southern  Talking  Machine  Co. 
Fort  Worth — Texas-Oklahoma  Phonograph  Co. 
Houston — Houston  Phonograph  Co. 

UTAH 
Ogden — Proudfit  Sporting  Goods'Co. 

VIRGINIA  " 
Richmond — C.  B.  Haynes  &  Co. 

WASHINGTON 
Seattle — Pacific  Phonograph  Co.,  N.  W. 
Seattle — Eilers  Music  House. 
Spokane — Graves  Music  Co. 

WISCONSIN 
Milwaukee — Milwaukee  Phonograph  Co. 

CANADA 
Quebec — C.  Robitaille. 
Montreal — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 
St.  John— W.  H.  Thome  &  Co.,  Ltd. 
Toronto— R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 
Vancouver — Kent  Piano  Co.,  Ltd. 


Ltd. 


Winnipeg — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co 

Babson  Bros. 
Calgary — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd 


CYLINDER   ONLY 

ALABAMA 
Birmingham — Talking  Machine  Co. 
Mobile — W.  H.  Reynalds. 

COLORADO 
Denver — Hext  Music  Co. 

GEORGIA 
Atlanta — Atlanta  Phonograph  Co. 
Waycross — Youmans  Jewelry  Co. 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago — Babson  Bros. 

James  I.  Lyons. 
Peoria — Peoria  Phonograph  Co. 
Putnam-Page  Co.,  Inc. 
Quincy — Quincy  Phonograph  Co. 

IOWA 
Sioux  City — Harger  &  Blish. 

MARYLAND 
Baltimore — E.  F.  Droop  &  Sons  Co. 

MASSACHUSETTS 
Boston — Eastern  Talking  Machine  Co. 

Iver  Johnson  Sporting  Goods  Co. 
Lowell — Thomas  Wardell. 

MINNESOTA 
St.  Paul— W.  J.  Dyer  &  Bro. 
Koehler  &  Hinrichs. 
MISSOURI 
Kansas  City — Schmelzer  Arms  Co. 
NEW  HAMPSHIRE 
Manchester — John  B.  Varick  Co. 
NEW  JERSEY 
Paterson — James  K.  O'Dea. 

NEW  YORK 
Albany — Finch  &  Hahn. 
Buffalo — W.  D.  Andrews. 

Neal,  Clark  &  Neal  Co. 
Elmira — Elmira  Arms  Co. 

New  York  City — Blackman  Talking  Machine  Co. 
J.  F.  Blackman  &  Son. 
I.  Davega,  Jr.,  Inc. 
S.  B.  Davega  Co. 
"  Greenhut-Siegel-Cooper  Co. 
Rochester — Talking  Machine  Co. 
Syracuse — W.  D.  Andrews  Co. 
Utica — Arthur  F.  Ferriss. 
William  Harrison. 


Philadelphia 


PENNSYLVANIA 
Louis  Buehn. 
Penn  Phonograph  Co. 
H.  A.  Weymann  &  Son. 
Ackerman  &  Co. 


Scranton- 

RHODE  ISLAND 
Providence — J.  A.  Foster  Co. 
J.  Samuels  &  Bro. 
TEXAS 
El  Paso— W.  G.  Walz  Co. 
San  Antonio — H.  C.  Rees  Optical  Co. 

UTAH 
Salt  Lake  City — Consolidated  Music  Co. 

VERMONT 
Burlington — American  Phonograph  Co. 


m*  EDISON 

PHONOGRAPH 


ONTHLY 


«15£  EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY 


CONTENTS  FOR  APRIL,  1914 


Why  We  Smile 2 

Planning  Now  for  Summer  Trade 3 

An  Edison  Disc  Enthusiast 5 

Emmy  Destinn 5 

Restriction  Notice 5 

New  Cylinder  Record  Catalog 5 

The  R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd 6 

Ordering  in  Advance  vs.  Hurry-Up  Orders. 

R.  G.  Stanton 8 

Specimen   of  Western   Methods    in   Edison 

Canvassing 10 


New  Diamond  Disc  Records 10 

Edison  Disc  Jobbers  Association 11 

The  Awakening  of  an  Edison  Disc  Dealer....   11 

Pianos  and  Phonographs 11 

Dance  Records  in  Great  Demand 12 

Extra  Special  Edison  Dance  Records 12 

The  New  Size  Phonogram 13 

Diamond  Point  Can  be  Broken 13 

Dealers'  Questions  Answered 14 

tilue  Amberols  for  June 15 

Jobbers  of  Edison  Phonographs  and  Records  16 


WHY  WE  SMILE 


Out  in  Arizona,  recently,  a  dealer  in  talking  ma- 
chines who  did  not  handle  the  Edison  at  all,  dropped 
into  a  high-tone  drug  store  in  Phoenix  to  get  a  glass 
of  soda.  Up  on  the  balcony,  out  of  sight,  an  Edison 
disc  was  dispensing  music.  It  was  an  orchestral 
piece.  After  listening  a  minute  the  dealer  remarked 
to  the  druggist  that  he  must  be  doing  a  fine  business 
to  enable  him  to  employ  musicians.  When  informed 
that  it  was  an  Edison  disc,  he  flushed  up  and  seemed 
greatly  surprised.  We  are  not  saying  what  line 
of  talking  machines  he  handled,  but  he  had  never 
heard  the  Edison  disc  before,  and  the  above  incident 
was  an  actual  occurrence.  Thoroughly  accustomed 
to  talking  machine  music  as  this  man  was,  he 
recognized  a  difference  in  the  Edison — a  difference 
so  great  as  to  be  pretty  close  to  the  original  orches- 
tra.    Further  comment  is  unnecessary. 


Quick  wit  in  selling  a  customer  is  exemplified  by 
a  salesman  in  California  who  was  approached  by  an 
intelligent  customer  asking  for  a  record  called 
"Pork  and  Beans."  After  thinking  a  moment, 
without  saying  a  word  or  expressing  any  surprise, 
the  salesman  asked  his  patron  to  be  seated.  Then 
as  he  went  to  rear  of  the  store  to  get  the  record  he 
bethought  himself  of  which  record  it  might  be.  In 
a  flash  it  dawned  upon  his  memory.  "Ciribiribin — 
that's  it,"  he  said  to  himself.  (Pronounced 
Cheer-ee-beer-ee-bee-an) .  The  name  suggested  the 
nick-name,  "Pork  and  Beans."  Then  he  looked  up 
the  catalog  number  (1825)  put  the  record  on  the 
cylinder  machine  and  played  it.  It  filled  the  cus- 
tomer's expectations,  and  was  sold.  Then  another 
record  was  asked  for  and  sold.  Now  that  customer 
always  asks  for  Mr.  Schwartz  because  she  gets 
intelligent  service.  The  clerk  is  to  be  commended 
for  his  quick  wit  and  also  for  his  acquaintance  with 
the  list. 


Another  incident,  an  actual  occurrence,  was  in 
Cleveland,  Ohio,  where  one  wide-awake  salesman 
heard  that  one  of  the  large  public  schools  there  had 
recently  purchased  a machine.  Undaunt- 
ed by  the  news,  he  calls  upon  the  Principal  and 
obtains  permission  to  play  an  Edison  disc.  The 
permission  was  obtained  on  the  ground  that  no 
sale  could  possibly  be  contemplated  as  they  had 

practically  decided  upon  a  and  were  well 

pleased  with  it.  Before  about  fifty  teachers,  who 
had  assembled  for  a  "teachers'  meeting"  this  dealer 
played  an  Edison  A-80  with  several  suitable  discs. 
The  result  was  that  they  reconsidered  their  decision 

to  purchase  a and  bought  an  Edison  A-80 

and  an  Edison  Amberola  VI.  There  are  a  lot  of 
prospects  now  to  work  on,  for  several  of  the  parents 
have  been  interested  by  the  new  Edison.  Such 
results  have  no  doubt  been  achieved  by  other  live 
Edison  dealers  who  use  proper,  legitimate,  methods. 
Remember:  (1)  a  sale  isn't  made  till  money  is  paid 
down;  (2)  all  purchasers  have  a  right  to  hear  the 
Edison  before  deciding;  (3)  where  a  choice  is  given 
the   Edison    usually   wins   the   day. 


"People  are  just  beginning  to  wake  up"  said  a 
dealer  the  other  day.  "I  had  a  nice  old  gentleman 
of  the  affluent  class,  come  into  my  store  the  other 
day  and,  after  listening  to  one  record  said,  '/  don't 
believe  my  own  ears;  it  isn't  possible!  Who  ever 
heard  such  music  coming  out  of  a  talking  machine! 
I  must  come  in  again  and  prove  that  I  heard 
right.'  "  He  had  been  listening  to  Foster's  beauti- 
ful and  pathetic  "Massa's  in  De  Cold,  Cold  Ground." 
The  salesman  who  waited  on  him  remarks:  "From 
actual  experience  in  handling  other  machines  I  can 
say  without  fear  of  contradiction  IT'S  A  HARD 
JOB  TO  SELL  ANOTHER  MACHINE  WHEN 
YOU    HAVE    AN    EDISON    AROUND." 


THE    EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH    MONTHLY 

Published  in  the  interest  of 

EDISON  PHONOGRAPHS  AND  RECORDS 

BY 

THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  Inc. 
ORANGE,  N.  J.,  U.  S.  A. 

THOMAS  A.   EDISON,  LTD.,  25  O.ERKENWELL  ROAD,   LONDON.  E.  C. 

THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  LTD.,  364-372  KENT  STREET,  SYDNEY,   N.  S.  W. 

COMPANIA  EDISON  HISPANO-AMERICANA,  VIAMONTE  515,  BUENOS  AIRES. 

EDISON  GESELLSCHAFT,  M.  B.  H.  10  FRIEDRICHSTRASSE,  BERLIN. 

COMPAGNIE  FRANCAISE  THOMAS  A.  ED  SON,  59  RUE  DES  PETITES-ECURIES,  PARIS. 


Volume  XII 


APRIL,  1914 


Number  4 


PLANNING  NOW  FOR  SUMMER 

TRADE 


FOR     convenience     of   consideration 
we    subdivide    our  subject  into  two 
parts: — 
1. — Preparation  for  Summer  Sales  and 
Publicity. 

2. — Active  work  during  Summer 
months. 

Too  many  dealers,  we  believe,  give  the 
matter  very  little  thought  till  the  hot 
weather  comes,  and  then  spasmodically 
decide  to  do  something  offhand,  or, 
more  likely,  let  the  occasion  slip  and 
do  nothing.  Strange  that  we  plan  for 
spring  and  winter  business,  but  let  the 
summer  months  take  care  of  themselves. 

In  the  way  of  preparation  there  is 
much  that  can  be  done.  April  or  May 
is  none  too  early  to  lay  your  plans  and 
make  your  decisions.  It  is  worth  con- 
siderable study. 

No  one  plan  will  fit  every  case.  Each 
dealer  must  make  a  study  of  his  own 
location,  of  his  patrons'  habits  in  sum- 
mer, and  of  his  own  personal  preference. 
If  he  is  already  located  in  a  town  fre- 
quented by  summer  people,  or  the 
center  of  a  summer  colony,  his  problem 
so  far  as  location  is  concerned,  is  settled; 
stay  right  there.  For  instance,  Portland, 
Maine,  is  an  ideal  summer-resort  city. 
It  is  the  gateway  to  all  Maine  resorts 
and  the  center  of  a  prosperous-  summer 
colony. 


If,  on  the  other  hand  a  dealer  is 
located  in  a  city  that  is  practically 
dead  during  summer  months,  (such  for 
instance  as  Washington,  D.  C.),  then 
there  comes  up  the  serious  question 
whether  it  might  not  be  best  to  close  up 
shop,  (or  practically  close  up)  and  go 
where  summer  trade  is  possible.  This 
plan  is  followed  by  many  storekeepers 
in  other  than  the  phonographic  line. 
They  locate  in  summer  resorts  during 
July  and  August,  but  return  to  their 
accustomed  places  at  the  end  of  the 
summer  season. 

But  even  if  some  change  is  deemed 
best,  it  may  not  be  necessary  to  estab- 
lish a  store  elsewhere.  THE  SUM- 
MER MONTHS  CAN  BE  UTILIZED 
BY  AN  ENERGETIC  DEALER 
TO  CONDUCT  AN  EXTENSIVE 
TRAVELLING  CAMPAIGN  AMONG 
RESORT  PLACES. 

Just  which  course  is  to  be  pursued 
calls  for  careful  study,  and,  if  a  decision 
is  hard  to  reach,  it  will  certainly  be  best 
to  make  a  trial  of  some  plan  other  than 
stand  still  and  do  nothing.  The  point  to 
be  emphasized  is  that  the  dealer  must 
GO  AFTER  business  in  summer  rather 
than  expect  it  to  come  to  him. 

One  plan  that  is  open  to  all,  whether 
a  dealer  stays  at  home  or  seeks  new 
fields,  is  to  know  his  patrons'  habits  in 
summer.     Some   people  can't  leave  their 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  APRIL,  1914 


homes;  some  go  year  after  year  to  the 
same  resort.  By  careful  study  of  the 
habits  of  each  member  of  a  family  a 
dealer  may  gain  valuable  hints  and 
these  should  be  carefully  tabulated 
on  cards. 

Suppose  for  instance,  Mrs.  Smith,  one 
of  your  patrons,  goes  every  year  to 
Cape  Cod.  Here  is  an  opportunity  to 
supply  her  with  a  phonograph  for  sum- 
mer use;  or  in  the  event  of  her  not 
wishing  to  purchase  a  machine  to  leave 
at  her  summer  cottage,  there  arises  the 
chance  to  box  her  phonograph  and  attend 
to  its  shipment  with  a  generous  sup- 
ply of  new  records.  Next  year  Mrs. 
Smith  will  doubtless  want  another 
phonograph  for  her  own  home  or  for 
permanent  summer  use.  If  this  plan 
will  not  work  it  might  not  be  a  bad 
idea  to  rent  her  a  phonograph  for  sum- 
mer use  and  attend  to  its  shipment. 

On  the  other  hand  you  may  find  a 
family  that  cannot  go  away  for  summer, 
and  are  open  to  a  suggestion  to  pur- 
chase a  machine  on  the  easy  payment 
plan.  They  are  good  prospects  and 
should  be  invited  to  an  open  air  concert, 
if  you  conduct  one. 

Then  again  there  are  the  young  men 
in  a  family.  Learn  their  vacation  plans. 
Perhaps  they  are  going  camping.  If  so 
try  to  arrange  to  meet  all  who  expect 
to  go  with  them  and  talk  phonograph. 
Give  them  a  demonstration  with  some 
jolly  good  records,  and  then  outline  a 
plan  by  which  the  entire  outfit,  records 
included,  can  be  purchased  by  the 
party.  If  you  don't  succeed  at  first, 
keep  at  it,  and  you  will  land  an  order 
before  they  go  into  camp.  Perhaps 
one  of  them  has  a  yacht  or  sail  boat; 
this  only  increases  your  chance  of  a  sale. 

In  the  family  may  be  some  one  espe- 
cially interested  in  a  Fresh  Air  Fund 
Society.  Get  the  address  of  the  head 
party  and  talk  phonograph  to  her. 
Enlarge  upon  the  utility  of  the  phono- 
graph in  teaching  these  little  city  urchins 
to  sing  songs,  to  hear  comic  selections 
and  to  hear  merry  dances  on  the  lawn 
to  the  music  of  a  phonograph.  A  sale 
ought  to  follow;  if  not,  a  demonstra- 
tion at  such  fresh  air  home,  would  cer- 
tainly advertise  a  dealer  well  and  ulti- 
mately lead  to  business. 

Numerous  other  suggestions  will  occur 
as  you  study  into  your  patrons'  summer 


habits.  The  important  point  is  to 
get  closely  in  touch  with  them  and  then 
seek  to  place  a  phonograph  where  it 
will  best  serve  their  summer's  need.  A 
personal    study  should  be  made  of  each 


case. 


II. 


IN  REGARD  TO  ACTIVE 
SUMMER  WORK 


Summer  ought  to  be  a  dealer's  best  opportunity 
to  demonstrate  the  phonograph,  because  everyone 
then  is  more  than  ready  to  be  entertained  out  of 
doors.  It  is  easier  then  to  get  at  people  and  it  is 
easier  to  hold  their  attention.  Much  might  be  said 
along  this  line,  but  let  us  confine  ourselves  to  a  few 
instances  where  such  demonstration  would  be 
feasible; 

1.  VISITING  CAMPS.  Take  any  lake  or  resort 
where  camps  are  plentiful.  It  will  pay  to  make  a 
tour  among  them,  especially  in  the  evening  or  on 
rainy  days  when  entertainment  is  more  than 
welcome.  A  good  selection  of  jolly  records  and  a 
portable  phonograph  will  be  all  that  is  needed. 
Make  the  terms  attractive  and  you  can  scarcely 
fail  to  secure  several  orders. 

2.  ATTENDING  ATHLETIC  CONTESTS. 
We  have  in  mind  one  enterprising  dealer  who  dur- 
ing a  ball  game  which  was  interrupted  by  an  acci- 
dent to  one  of  the  players,  telephoned  to  his  shop 
to  send  a  phonograph,  and  a  number  of  records 
including  Miss  Ray  Cox's  "Base  Ball  Girl;"  Then 
he  entertained  the  crowd  while  the  interruption 
to  the  game  lasted,  and  at  the  end  of  the  game  had 
an  enthusiastic  caller  at  his  store  who  purchased 
an  outfit.  At  another  athletic  contest,  an  inter- 
prising  dealer  erected  a  tent  and  gave  demonstra- 
tions of  the  home  recording,  offering  prizes  for  the 
best  records.  These  prizes  were  awarded  by  a 
committee  before  the  assemblage  dispersed.  It 
was  a  clever  advertising  scheme  and  resulted  in 
actual  sales  of  both  machines  and  records. 

3.  BY  ATTRACTIVE  ADVERTISING  MAT- 
TER. One  of  the  best  "dodgers"  we  have  seen  for 
distribution  at  public  out-door  meetings,  was 
entitled  "This  Way  to  the  Big  Show."  It  gave  a  list 
of  attractive  records — "hits"  of  present  day  rag- 
time and  vaudeville.  Such  advertising  matter  care- 
fully distributed,  will  bring  results.  We  are  firm 
believers   in   printers'  ink. 

4.  BY  ATTRACTIVE  WINDOW  DISPLAYS. 
A  window  tableau  in  which  an  ideal  camping  scene 
is  depicted,  with  a  phonograph  as  the  center  of 
attraction,  is  full  of  suggestion.  Camping  may  not 
be  possible  for  every  one  who  looks  at  the  window, 
but  the  spirit  of  the  affair  is  contagious  and  the 
phonograph  is  the  one  feature  that  is  at  once  avail- 
able to  the  average  man. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  APRIL.  1914 


AN  EDISON  DISC  ENTHUSIAST 

WHO  FEATURES  THE  3450 

TYPE  OF  MACHINE 

SAMUEL  J.  PEARSON,  of  Bennettsville,  S.  C, 
has  become  an  Edison  disc  enthusiast  after 
many  years  handling  other  discs.  Confident 
not  only  of  the  superior  tone  of  the  Edison  disc 
but  of  his  ability  to  place  the  more  expensive 
models,  such  as  the  Circassian  Walnut,  his  initial  or- 
der was  for  these  machines.  He  is  represented  beside 
a  3450  Disc  in  the  above  photograph.  Mr.  Pear- 
son knows  his  field  and  knows  his  clienteles'  tastes, 
for  he  has  been  many  years  learning  how  to  appeal 
to  the  most  cultured.  He  has  discarded  all  other 
discs  and  come  out  squarely  and  strongly  for  the 
Edison,  over  which  he  waxes  enthusiastic  whenever 
he  finds  a  lover  of  real  music.  So  far,  his  success  has 
been  very  decided  and  the  future  looms  up  bright. 
We  wish  Mr.  Pearson  the  great  success  which  his 
enthusiasm  and  salesmanship  justly  entitle  him  to. 


NEW  CYLINDER  RECORD 
CATALOG 

THE  BLUE  AMBEROL  RECORD  CATALOG 
(alphabetically  arranged)  is  now  ready  (Form 
2557)  embracing  all  Blue  Amberol  Records  up 
to  and  including  the  April,  1914,  List;  also  Instru- 
mental Selections  from  German,  French  and  Mexi- 
can lists  (128  pages,  same  size  page  as  previous  Blue 
Amberol  Catalog,  which  it  supersedes.) 


EMMY  DESTINN 
The  Great  Dramatic  Soprano 

EMMY  DESTINN,  whose  resplendent  vocal 
triumphs  in  the  Metropolitan  Opera  House 
during  the  past  four  seasons  have  gained  her 
a  position  inferior  to  practically  none  whose  names 
are  inscribed  in  the  history  of  that  famous  institu- 
tion. Her  records,  as  might  be  expected,  are  a 
revelation  and  an  unalloyed  tonal  delight — to  the 
critic  a  source  of  wonder,  to  the  student  an  unexam- 
pled wealth  of  inspiration  and  to  the  musical  public 
at  large  an  occasion  of  artistic  enjoyment  such  as 
all  too  rarely  happens. 

Mme.  Destinn's  triumphs  in  Berlin,  Vienna  and 
London  were  widely  known  previous  to  her  Amer- 
ican engagement,  and  the  high  expectations  held 
for  her  were  more  than  justified  in  her  first  New  York 
appearance.  Without  dissent  the  perfection  of  her 
voice  and  art  was  acknowledged  by  the  most  criti- 
cal of  all  audiences  and  her  interpretations  of  dra- 
matic soprano  roles  have  established  a  standard 
which  only  Destinn  herself  can  maintain. 

One  of  the  most  sincere  admirers  of  Mme.  Des- 
tinn's accomplishments  is  the  renowned  Italian 
composer  Giacomo  Puccini,  who  in  selecting  the 
cast  to  create  the  first  production  on  any  stage 
of  his  "Girl  of  the  Golden  West"  in  New  York  City 
in  1910,  selected  Mme.  Destinn  to  originate  the 
role  of  the  heroine  "Minnie." 

Mme.  Destinn  is  by  birth  a  Bohemian,  being 
born  in  Prague  in  1878  as  Emma  Kittl.  She  first 
taught  the  violin,  but  at  the  age  of  fourteen  it  was 
discovered  that  her  voice  promised  to  be  an  unusual 
one,  and  she  was  sent  to  that  noted  teacher,  Marie 
Loewe-Destinn,  under  whom  her  progress  was  very 
rapid.  Adopting  her  teacher's  name  for  stage  pur- 
poses, she  was  engaged  for  the  Berlin  Royal  Opera 
when  barely  nineteen,  and  speedily  became  a  great 
favorite.  Then  she  was  immediately  engaged  for 
the  famous  Wagner  Theatre  in  Bayreuth.  Her 
career  since  then  has  been  one  of  unbroken  success. 


THE  RESTRICTION  NOTICE 

The  restriction  notice  attached  to  all  packages 
containing  Edison  Diamond  Reproducers,  either 
Disc  or  Cylinder,  clearly  defines  the  conditions 
governing  their  use  and  sale. 

In  order  to  make  certain  that  these  conditions 
are  not  violated,  we  must  have  the  co-operation 
of  the  Jobber  and  Dealer  to  this  extent:  that  no 
Reproducers  are  to  be  sold  as  extras,  and  that  in 
cases  where  the  consumer  has  one  of  these  Repro- 
ducers upon  which  repairs  are  necessary  and  cannot 
await  its  return  from  the  factory,  a  new  one  may 
be  delivered  to  the  customer  only  in  exchange 
for  the  damaged  Reproducer,  thereby  making 
certain  that  only  a  single  Reproducer  is  in  the 
hands  of  the  user,  and  to  be  used  only  on  Ediscn 
Phonographs  and  Records. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  APRIL,  1914 


The   R.    S.    WILLIAMS    &    SONS    CO.,    Limited 

MUSICAL  INSTRUMENT  MANUFACTURERS  AND  IMPORTERS 


MR.  R.  S.  WILLIAMS,  President 


H.  G.  STANTON,  Vice-Pres.  &  Gen'l  Mgr. 


G.  PETCH 

Mgr.  Wholesale  Phonograph  Dept. 


H.  Y.  CLAXTON 
Mgr.  Sales  Dept. 


TORONTO,  WINNIPEG,   CALGARY,   MONTREAL,   CANADA 

(See  next  page) 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  APRIL,  1914 

WHO'S  WHO  AMONG  EDISON  JOBBERS 

FOURTH  ARTICLE 


THE  R.  S.  WILLIAMS  &  SONS  CO.,  LIMITED 

Musical  Instrument  Manufacturers  and  Importers 
Toronto 

WINNIPEG,  CALGARY,  MONTREAL 


THE  R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd.,  was 
established  in  1849  by  Mr.  R.  &.  Williams, 
and  has  ever  since  that  time  continuously 
operated  in  Canada,  now  occupying  the  entire 
space  of  a  ten-story  building  in  Toronto,  devoted 
to  wholesale  and  retail  phonographs  and  musical 
goods.  WTith  branches  (confined  to  wholesaling 
only)  in  Winnipeg,  Man.,  Calgary,  Alta.,  and 
Montreal,  Que.,  it  covers  the  whole  of  the 
Dominion  of  Canada  by  central  distribution  serv- 
ice (with  the  exception  of  the  extreme  Western 
and  Eastern  coast  provinces). 

About  the  year  1897  Mr.  R.  S.  Williams,  Jr., 
now  President  of  the  Company,  started  in  the  then 
exclusively  Piano  store  of  the  Company  at  Toronto, 
a  Small  Goods  and  Phonograph  Department,  first 
starting  with  the  Columbia  line,  but  discontinuing 
that  in  1899  in  favor  of  the  Edison,  which  permitted 
of  such  steady  development,  that  within  a  year 
the  business  had  grown  to  extensive  proportions, 
and  dealers  were  being  established  in  practically 
every  city,  town  and  village  in  the  territory.  This 
development  has  seen  a  steady  permanent  growth 
throughout  the  entire  fifteen  years  intervening, 
there  not  being  a  single  year  in  the  entire  time 
when  the  business  in  our  Phonograph  Department 
did  not  show  an  increase  over  the  previous  year. 

In  those  early  days  of  the  soft  wax  records,  local 
interest  was  manifested  in  the  department  started 
by  Mr.  Williams  by  the  making  of  master  records 
and  duplicating  them  with  a  duplicating  machine; 
but  all  this  has  been  discarded  in  the  rapid  devel- 
opment by  the  Edison  Co.,  so  that  it  is  no  longer 
a  matter  of  curious  interest  but  a  keen  desire  on 
the  part  of  a  large  majority  of  the  public  to  have 
this  form  of  music  a  permanent  feature  in  their 
home. 

We  made  the  claim  in  these  early  days,  when  the 
Phonograph  had  reached  quite  a  popular  point 
and  was  affirmed  by  many  to  be  a  fad  that  would 
soon  blow  over,  that  the  business  was  only  in  its 
infancy,  and  would  show  such  development  as  to 
warrant  all  the  investment  any  dealer  could  afford 
to  put  into  it.     How  true  this  has  been! 


Another  feature  which  we  took  a  stand  upon,  and 
which  time  has  proven  our  judgment  to  have 
been  good,  was,  in  connection  with  the  claim  of 
many  music  dealers  that  it  was  interfering  with 
the  music  trade.  We  claimed  the  contrary,  and 
still  claim,  that  it  does  not  interfere  with  the  music 
business;  that  it  is,  and  will  be,  to  a  still  greater 
extent,  a  part  of  the  music  business  that  will  not 
only  prove  a  profitable  department  from  its  incep- 
tion, but  one  that  will  lend  itself  to  greater  develop- 
ment than  probably  any  other.  This,  for  the  reason 
that  the  music  dealer  had,  until  the  advent  of  the 
phonograph,  always  been  handicapped  in  not 
having  what  might  be  termed  repeat  business, 
such  as  the  grocer,  clothier,  or  any  other  such 
lines  have;  that  is  when  he  sold  a  piano  or 
violin  or  any  such  musical  instrument  it  would 
last  for  a  decade  if  not  a  generation,  and  the  best 
results  that  could  be  expected  from  quality  and 
service  rendered,  was  the  good  will  of  his  customer; 
whereas  the  phonograph  not  only  results  in  imme- 
diate business,  but  it  creates  a  desire  for  music  of 
all  kinds,  and  every  day  in  the  year  represents  prob- 
ably more  business  through  records  sold  to  each 
machine  customer.  Naturally  we  are  proud  to  be 
with  the  manufacturers  and  pioneers  in  the  trade, 
to  see  our  judgment  so  fully  verified. 

Undoubtedly  it  is  the  result  of  exercising  such 
judgment  that  in  the  development  of  our  business 
we  cover  practically  the  entire  Dominion  of 
Canada  with  an  active  sales  force.  Their  regular 
routes  extend  from  Halifax  on  the  Atlantic  to 
Vancouver  on  the  Pacific,  with  large  distributing 
points  in  the  four  leading  centres  between,  at  all 
ci  which  a  large  and  complete  stock  of  both 
Edison  Disc  and  Cylinder  goods  are  carried.  But 
another  factor,  which  may  be  considered  in  con- 
nection with  this  development  is  a  fixed  policy,  in 
which  every  employee  of  the  company  is  taught  to 
be  a  factor — trade  protection,  prompt  and  efficient 
service,  no  discrimination  between  dealers  relia- 
bility in  promises  and  statements — no  exag- 
geration, and  the  keen  desire  to  have  always  the 
best  quality  paramount. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  APRIL,  1914 


ORDERING  IN  ADVANCE  VS. 
HURRY-UP  ORDERS 

by 

H.  G.  Stanton,  Vice-Pres.  &  Gen'l  Mgr. 
The  R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 


THE  importance  of  a  plan  that  will  insure 
delivery  of  goods  when  most  desired  is  unfor- 
tunately overlooked  by  many  dealers,  for 
lack  of  that  one  successful  element  in  business — 
looking  ahead.  So  many  merchants  form  the  habit 
of  leaving  everything  to  the  last  minute  instead 
of  anticipating  the  future  as  far  ahead  as  they  can, 
laying  their  plans  out  to  meet  it  successfully,  and 
thus  be  always  ready.  Many  dealers  have  no 
conception  of  how  the  step  in  anticipating  their 
wants  or  planning  ahead  will  simplify  matters  for 
them,  increase  their  business,  increase  their  profits, 
and  relieve  the  worry,  confusion  and  loss  which 
follow  inevitably  as  a  result  of  "scrambling." 
Lack  of  preparation,  confined  specifically  to  placing 
of  advance  orders,  is  usually  the  result  of  lack  of 
capital,  resulting  in  fear  of  being  overstocked  and 
unable  to  meet  obligations;  lack  of  confidence  in 
the  goods  you  are  selling,  and  the  ability  of  your 
organization  to  sell  them,  or  lack  of  ordinary  busi- 
ness observation  covering  local  trade  conditions. 
Any  man  in  business,  with  ordinary  business  pru- 
dence, should  be  able  to  estimate  with  reasonable 
exactness  how  many  machines  and  how  many 
records  he  will  sell  six  months  in  advance,  and 
still  more  exactly  what  his  sales  will  be  for  three 
months  in  advance.  Many  dealers,  however,  give 
this  phase  of  the  business  no  consideration,  because 
of  the  service  they  get  and  because  they  meet  their 
requirements  with  reasonable  satisfaction.  As  a  result 
of  this,  when  the  heavy  Fall  and  Christmas  season 
approaches,  the  habit  of  placing  orders  only  as 
actually  required  is  formed,  and  the  thought  of 
anticipating  requirements  for  Fall  and  Christmas 
is  not  taken  seriously  by  them.  As  a  consequence 
of  this,  there  is  what  might  be  termed  a  "jam," 
to  the  jobber,  to  the  manufacturer,  to  the  trans- 
portation companies  and  to  themselves,  which 
results  in  aggravating  delays,  serious  loss  of  busi- 
ness and  an  unknown  but  undoubtedly  serious  loss 
of  future  patronage. 

We  contend  that  anywhere  from  75%  to  95%  of 
this  trouble  can  be  eliminated  by  the  placing  of 
advance  orders.  This  can  be  done  by  every  dealer, 
and  instead  of  placing  an  order  for  what  he  will  be 
requiring  today  or  tomorrow,  place  one  order  now 
for  what  he  may  want  for  immediate  shipments, 
another  order  for  what  he  may  want  for  shipment 
on  the  first  of  next  month,  and  another  order  for 
what  he  may  want  on  the  first  of  the  second  month, 


and  so  on,  as  far  ahead  as  local  conditions  may 
warrant;  this  depending,  of  course,  largely  upon 
his  distance  from  source  of  supply,  transportation 
facilities,  etc.  The  only  problem  that  presents 
itself  in  ordering  in  advance  (and  this  is  a  slight  one) 
is  that  of  properly  recording  orders  placed,  so  that 
if  they  are  to  be  added  to  or  in  any  way  altered, 
it  can  be  done  without  confusion  either  to  the  dealer 
or  the  jobber.  If  orders  are  placed  ahead,  and 
then  for  want  of  some  system  are  not  recorded,  but 
left  to  memory,  and  later  on  the  order  duplicated, 
confusion  will,  of  course,  follow;  but  by  having  a 
card  system  or  a  book  so  arranged  that  each  type 
of  machine  is  represented,  and  on  the  page  so 
headed,  the  number  of  machines  on  order,  the 
whole  proposition  is  simplified  and  results  in 
having  improved  business  and  many  other  benefits 
to  the  satisfaction  of  all  concerned. 


Card  Showing 

Orders 

Type                AMBEROLA  V        $100.00  Style 

In  Stock 

Order 

Date 

Rec'd 

Date 

3 
4 

3 

10 
6 

25 

Aug.    1-14 
Sept.  1-14 
Oct.    1-14 

3        May  19 
7        May  28 
6        June  10 
For  shipment 
13  rush 
12  Nov.   1/14 

To  permit  of  our  travellers  co-operating  with  our 
dealers,  in  placing  advance  orders,  we  furnish  our 
representatives  each  week  with  a  record  showing 
the  amount  of  monthly  business  done  by  each 
dealer  in  the  town  visited.  With  this  knowledge 
brought  to  the  dealer's  attention,  it  is  a  simple 
matter  to  show  him  that  his  business  should  run 
10%  or  20%  ahead  of  the  previous  year  (orwhatever 
percentage  of  increase  or  decrease  trade  conditions 
in  their  judgment,  warrants)  and  ordering  a  pro- 
portionately greater  or  lesser  amount  than  was  done 
in  the  same  month  of  the  previous  year.  Even  if 
this  is  carried  out  in  the  most  conservative  manner 
possible,  and  orders  placed  for  one,  two  or  three 
months  ahead  (and  at  distant  points,  four  months 
ahead)  and  dealer  subsequently  requested  to  add  as 
much  again  to  each  month's  order,  there  is  a 
decided  gain;  even  if,  finally  his  advance  order  is 
for  only  one-half,  that  assists  us  materially.  We 
are  sure  every  dealer  will  appreciate  these  facts  if 
brought  home  to  him  by  his  jobber;  the  only 
condition  which  works  against  it  is  lack  of  sys- 
tem. Therefore,  we  think  if  a  card  system,  such 
as  herein  shown,  were  adopted  it  would  relieve 
the  situation  materially,  and  it  would  be  highly 
appreciated  by  jobber,  dealer  and  the  public. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  APRIL,  1914 


If  the  same  plan  were  followed  in  connection  with 
records— STANDING  ORDERS  for  so  many  each 
of  new  issues,  so  many  each  of  any  special  issues, 
the  same  convenience  would  apply  to  these. 

This  problem  has  been  such  a  serious  one  with 
phonograph  dealers  for  so  many  years,  we  believe 
the  situation  can  best  be  met  by  each  jobber 
reaching  his  trade  frequently  and  persistently 
throughout  the  months  of  August  and  September, 
so  that  when  his  traveller  calls  during  September 
and  October,  material  increase  in  "Advance  orders" 
would  be  made;  and  if  a  little  improvement  is  made 
this  year  and  developed  along  still  better  lines  next, 
undoubtedly  conditions  will  improve  to  the  advant- 
age of  all. 

The  above  conditions  would  apply  to  every 
dealer,  whether  he  is  the  exclusive  Edison  dealer  in 
his  town  or  has  numerous  competitors;  but  where 
there  are  competitors,  certainly  the  necessity  for 
placing  advance  orders  will  be  even  greater  than 
where  there  is  a  limited  or  no  competition.  Why 
one  dealer  will  permit  his  opponent  to  excel  him 
in  the  matter  of  service  when  it  is  so  simple  to  anti- 
cipate wants  thirty  or  sixty  days  ahead,  we  cannot 
account  for,  unless  it  is  that  the  neglectful  dealer 
deliberately  tries  to  help  his  opponent,  for  we 
know  of  few  better  ways  of  doing  this  than  to  be  out 
of  stock  of  popular  selling  types  of  machines  or 
records  when  your  competitor  has  them. 

The  placing  of  advance  orders  for  New  Issue 
records  is  of  such  vital  importance  to  the  develop- 
ment of  the  trade  that  we  think  it  should  be  the 
dealer's  first  duty  after  the  establishing  of  a  dealer- 
ship. 

The  regular  dealers'  order  sheet  for  New  Issue 
records,  sent  direct  from  the  factory,  and  the  forms 
generally  used  by  dealers  in  placing  their  advance 
orders  for  New  Issue  records  are  undoubtedly  good 
ones,  but  we  have  found  that  dealers  sometimes 
mislay  or  neglect  to  place  their  advance  orders,  so 
that  in  addition  to  the  form  referred  to  from  the 
factory,  we  have  a  special  postcard  bearing  our 
address  on  one  side  and  on  the  reverse  the  following, 

"Kindly  enter  my  order  for each 

of  the  New  Issue  records  until  I  notify  you  to 
discontinue," 

which  we  send  to  each  of  our  Edison  dealers,  accom- 
panied by  a  letter,  drawing  his  attention  to  the 
advisability  of  becoming  acquainted  with  the  new 
records  that  are  being  issued  each  month.  It  per- 
mits of  his  more  intelligently  ordering  for  his  regular 
stock  requirements,  and  at  the  same  time  to  permit 
his  customers  to  know  that  on  a  certain  day 
or  evening  of  each  month  they  can  hear  the  entire 
list  of  New  Issue  records,  all  of  which  means  better 
service,  better  satisfaction,  to  his  patrons-  and  more 
business  for  him, 


When  the  cards  are  returned  to  us,  we  place  a 
standing  order  on  our  files  for  the  quantity  of 
records  mentioned.  These  records  are  sent  out 
on  the  date  of  shipment,  but  in  the  meantime  should 
we  receive  one  of  the  order  blanks  from  the  same 
dealer  (who  overlooked  he  had  placed  a  standing 
order  with  us  for  one  or  two  or  three  of  each 
record  each  month)  we  would  take  his  order 
blank,  but  not  increase  his  order  beyond  his 
standing  order  if  it  was  for  just  two  records. 
But  where  he  ordered  four  or  six  or  ten,  we  would 
send  this  quantity.  In  any  event,  by  his  returning 
the  post  card  placing  a  standing  order  with  us  for 
one  or  more  of  each  record,  he  would  be  assured 
of  receiving  the  quantity  specified  promptly  on  the 
New  Issue  dates. 

Where  advance  orders  cannot  be  obtained  and 
the  jobber  has  to  depend  upon  "Hurry  up"  service, 
it  is  necessary,  of  course,  that  the  jobber  antici- 
pate his  own  wants.  Sufficient  stock  room  space 
in  which  to  conveniently  arrange  records  for  the 
quick  filling  of  orders,  and  an  efficient  staff  of  order 
clerks  and  shippers  must  be  kept  available;  but  it 
is  hard  to  accomplish  all  this  without  some  check 
upon  service  and  despatch.  To  obtain  this,  we 
have  a  time  stamp  with  which  every  order  received 
is  not  only  dated  but  timed  as  to  the  minute  of 
arrival.  The  order  of  "Write  off"  to  the  depart- 
ment is  also  so  dated  and  timed,  and  the  schedule 
of  the  department  provides  that  every  order 
received  in  his  department  up  to  2  P.  M.  must  be 
shipped  that  day  if  a  freight  order,  and  up  to  4.30 
P.  M.  if  an  express  order,  and  there  must  be  some 
very  good  reason  for  deviation  from  this  schedule. 

Many  dealers  wire  orders  or  indicate  a  special 
necessity  for  their  being  rushed,  in  which  case  spe- 
cial attention  is  given  them  from  the  time  they  are 
received  until  the  time  they  leave  our  shipping 
room.  They  are,  in  other  words,  given  express 
service.  They  are  specially  marked  when  written 
off,  they  are  specially  followed  through  by  the 
senior  clerk  of  the  department,  and  they  are  spe- 
cially marked  when  they  reach  the  shipping  room, 
so  that  if  they  reach  that  department  after  the 
hours  above  specified,  they  are  given  special  atten- 
tion. 

In  this  way,  we  try  to  serve  our  urgent  dealers 
in  the  most  efficient  manner  possible. 

There  are,  of  course,  frequent  delays  from 
causes  beyond  our  control;  and,  no  matter  how 
efficient  the  service,  there  can  not  be  the  same 
convenience  and  assurance  with  Rush  Orders  as 
there  are  with  Advance  Orders,  to  say  nothing  of 
the  big  saving  between  freight  and  express  charges. 

If  the  card  system  was  adopted,  more  than  half 
the  worry  during  the  Fall  and  Christmas  season 
will  be  turned  into  pleasure. 


10  EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  APRIL,  191* 

NEW  DIAMOND  DISC  RECORDS 

Second  Supplemental  List  March  1st,  1914  {Form  2604) 
Price,  $1.00  in  the  United  States;  $1.25  in  Canada 


50133 


50136 
50137 
50138 


80128 
80129 


SIX  UP-TO-DATE  DANCE  SELECTIONS 

International  Rag  Medley — Turkey  Trot,  One-step  or  Two-step Band 

Trail  of  the  Lonesome  Pine  Medley — Turkey  Trot,  One-step  or  Two-step Band 

When  It's  Apple  Blossom  Time  in  Normandy  Medley — Turkey  Trot,  One-step  or  Two-step 

Band 

Peg  o'  My  Heart   Medley — Turkey  Trot,  One-step  or  Two-step Band 

cft1«  /Too  Much  Mustard — One-step,  Two-step    or  Turkey  Trot  {Cecil  Macklin) Band 

S  Moonlight  Rag  {Henry  Lodge) Band 

Que  Pera — Tango  {Martin  Quijano) Band 

Miss  Mexico — Tango  (  Henry  Frantzen) Band 

Nights  of  Gladness — Waltz  Boston  (Charles  Auclife) Band 

El  Choclo — Tango  (M.  Sarrablo Band 

The  Night  Owls — Waltz  Hesitation  or  Waltz  Boston  (Vincent  Scotto) Band 

Maurice  Hesitation  Waltz,  or  Waltz  Boston  (James  M.  Shaw) Band 

SIX  DELIGHTFUL  BALLADS,  AN  OVERTURE,  ETC. 

f  A  Perfect  Day,  (Jacobs-Bond)  Orchestra  accompaniment Mixed  Quartet 

80125  \  Somewhere  a  Voice  is  Calling  (Arthur  F.  Tate)  Soprano  and  baritone,  orchestra  accompani- 
ment Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Vernon  Archibald 
KOI 26  /  Good-Bye,  Rose  (Herbert  Ingraham)  Tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment    Emory  B.  Randolph 
When  the  Song  Birds  Sing  no  More    (Alfred  Solman)  Tenor,  orch.  acc....Emory  B.  Randolph 
One  Sweetly  Solemn  Thought  (R.  S.  Ambrose)  Baritone,  orchestra  accompaniment 
80127  \  Thomas  Chalmers  and  Chorus 

Lead  Kindly  Light  (John  B.  Dykes)  orchestra  accompaniment Mixed  Quartet 

William  Tell  Overture— Part  I  (a)  At  Dawn;    (b)  The  Storm  (Rossini) Band 

William  Tell  Overture— Part  II   (a)  The  Calm;    (b)  Finale Band 

Something — The  Firefly   (Rudolph  Friml)  Mezzo-soprano  and  tenor,  orchestra  accompani- 
ment                                                                                Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Walter  Van  Brunt 
Sweet  Thoughts  of  Home — Love's  Lottery  (Julian  Edwards)  Contralto,  orchestra  accom- 
[      paniment Christine  Miller 

A    SPECIMEN   OF   WESTERN  arrangement  he  had  planned  to  have  about  twelve 

METHODS   IN    EDISON  families  gather  at  one  home  to  hear  the  Edison 

Disc,  which  he  was  to  bring,     lhey  were  awaiting 

CANVASSING  him.     After  unloading  the  machines   and  setting 

them  in   good   shape   in   the  parlor,   he  began   his 

THE  Graves  Music  Company,  Spokane,  Wash-  recital.     First  he  played  two  records  on  the  Edison 

ington,    cover    a    large    territory    and    their       Disc;    then  the  same  pieces,  but  records  on 

methods  necessarily  differ  from  the  dealer  who       the machine  he  had  brought  with  him.    The 

works    along    city    lines.      Among    their    energetic  comparison  was  very  easily  drawn.     After  a  short 

canvassers,  Nat.   Dumphrey  holds   the  first  place  talk  and  some  more  Disc  records  Mr.  Dumphrey 

as  head-salesman.     He  believes  in  going  after  pros-  succeeded  in  closing  up  a  deal  to  dispose  of  the  3250 

pects  and  taking  the  goods  along  with  him.     He  Edison   machine.     Then   he   loaded   up   his   A-200 

also    believes    in    showing    Edison    superiority    by  Edison    and    the   competitive   machine    and    starts 

taking  along  another  make  of  machine,  with  several  homeward  arriving  there  in  the  early  hours  of  the 

records  and  usually  these    records  are  duplicates  of  morning,  through  a  thick  snow  storm, 

those  by  the  Edison,  so  that  the  comparison  may  Not  content  with  that  sale,  next  day  he  started 

be  the  more  pronounced.  out  on  another  prospect,  located  at  Paradise  Valley. 

On  one  recent  trip  Mr.  Dumphrey  left  Spokane  There,  by  practically  the  same  methods  he  disposed 

at  6  P.  M.  in  a  blinding  snow  storm.    His  automo-  of  the  A-200  Edison  and  $17  worth  of  disc  records, 

bile   contained   two   Edison   machines — A-250   and  for  cash.    On  this  trip  home,  however,  his  automo- 

A-200,    with    some   330   worth    of   choice    records.  bile  got  stuck  in  the  snow  and  he  was  obliged  to 

Then  he  carried  a  machine,  with  several  walk  several  miles  to  get  help  to  pull  it  out. 

records.     His  destination  was  fifteen  miles  out  in  Mr.  Dumphrey's  method  of  competitive  recitals 

the  country,  to  a  little  town  called  Hayford.     He  right  in  the  home,  saves  a  whole  lot  of  argument 

arrived    there    about    9.30    P.    M.      By    previous  with  prospects. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  APRIL,  1914 


11 


THE  EDISON  DISC  JOBBERS' 
ASSOCIATION 

THE  formation  in  New  York  last  month  of  the 
Edison  Disc  Jobbers'  Association  has  aroused 
great  interest  on  the  part  of  Edison  disc  job- 
bers and  dealers  throughout  the  country  as  marking 
a  distinct  forward  step  in  the  presentation  of  the 
new  Edison  product  to  the  trade  and  to  the  public. 

Organized  by  a  group  of  jobbers  recognized  as 
representative  of  the  most  substantial  and  best 
element  of  the  trade,  the  new  association  has  im- 
pressed the  trade  with  its  importance,  with  the 
result  that  those  Edison  disc  jobbers  who  were 
unable  for  one.  reason  or  another  to  attend  the 
sessions  in  New  York  last  month  have  been  quick 
to  advise  the  officers  of  the  organization  of  their 
interest  and  desire  to  become  affiliated  with  the 
body. 

The  result  of  concerted  effort  on  the  part  of  the 
Edison  disc  jobbers  throughout  the  country  in 
presenting  the  new  disc  proposition  to  the  dealers 
and  to  the  public  is  evidence  in  the  wonderful  suc- 
cess that  has  attended  the  campaign  up  to  this 
point,  both  in  the  matter  of  signing  up  dealers  of 
standing  and  also  in  reaching  the  retail  buyers.  In 
all  this,  the  jobbers  and  the  factory  have  worked 
together,  following  the  meeting  of  the  Edison  disc 
interests  held  in  New  York  last  fall,  and  the  value  of 
a  permanent  organization  for  the  discussion  and 
development  of  campaigns  and  for  taking  up  any 
other  matters  of  interest  and  importance  to  the 
trade  at  large  is  to  be  appreciated. 

The  association  is  headed  by  H.  H.  Blish  whose 
company,  Harger  &  Blish,  of  Des  Moines,  la.,  has 
for  years  been  a  recognized  factor  in  phonograph 
circles  th-roughout  Iowa  and  a  large  section  of  the 
Middle  West.  F.  H.  Silliman,  of  the  Pardee- 
Ellenberger  Co.,  New  Haven,  Conn.,  and  Boston, 
Mass.,  one  of  the  most  active  figures  in  the  trade 
throughout  New  England,  and  H.  G.  Stanton,  the 
secretary,  is  with  the  R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co., 
Ltd.,  Toronto,  Ont.  C.  B.  Haynes,  head  of  C.  B. 
Haynes  &  Co.,  Richmond,  Va.,  and  the  vice- 
president  of  the  association,  is  one  of  the  pioneers 
in  the  trade  in  Virginia  and  the  Carolinas  and  enjoys 
an  enviable  position  in  that  field.  In  addition  to 
the  four  officers  named,  the  executive  committee 
includes  Laurence  H.  Lucker,  of  the  Minnesota 
Phonograph  Co.,  Minneapolis,  Minn.;-  C.  E. 
Goodwin,  of  the  Phonograph  Co.,  Chicago,  and  B. 
W.  Smith,  of  the  Phonograph  Co.,  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
all  men  of  recognized  standing  in  the  industry. 


THE  AWAKENING  OF  AN  EDISON 
DISC  DEALER 

F.  Meyers  of  Meyers  Music  Store,  Carlinville, 
Illinois,  narrates  his  experience  in  becom- 
ing an  Edison  Disc  Dealer. 

FOR  several  months  I   had  been  contemplating 
taking  on  the  Edison  Disc   Phonograph,  but 
owing  to  the  hard  times  here,  caused  by  three 
consecutive  crop  failures  I  hesitated  to  do  so. 

Just  before  the  Christmas  holidays  a  lady  called 
at  my  store  and  expressed  a  desire  to  get  one  of  the 
Edison  Disc  Phonographs  about  which  she  had 
read.  This  was  the  evening  of  December  16th. 
Early  the  next  day  I  took  the  train  to  St.  Louis 
to  place  an  order  with  The  Silverstone  Music  Co. 
I  decided  to  order  one  each  of  styles  375,  250  and 
150.  Mr.  Silverstone  telegraphed  for  my  qualifica- 
tions to  act  as  a  disc  dealer,  to  the  Edison  factory 
at  Orange,  N.  J.  As  soon  as  the  answer  came,  I 
ordered  the  style  375  shipped  by  express,  immediate- 
ly. It  arrived  next  day,  and  was  sold  within  a  few 
hours  after  arrival.     That  was  sale  No.  i. 

My  next  experience  was  when  an  old  customer 
came  in  and  I  played  for  him  a  few  selections.  He 
was  delighted,  and  returned  next  day  with  his  son, 
and  together  they  heard  it  again.  He  immediately 
gave  me  his  order  and  exacted  a  promise  from  me 
that  I  would  have  it  delivered  at  his  house  the  day 
before  Christmas,  without  fail.   That  was  sale  No.  2. 

The  next  day  after  the  above  customer  called,  I 
heard  that  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  Lodge  was  considering 
one,  and  I  immediately  followed  up  this  prospect 
and  sold  them  the  150  style.  That  was  sale  No.  j. 
All  three  sales  had  taken  place  in  about  a  week, 
right  before  Christmas  and  every  one  of  them — 
for  I  have  called  on  them  since — is  perfectly  de- 
lighted. 

As  to  my  personal  opinion  of  the  Edison  Disc,  it 
is  hardly  worth  while  to  take  space  to  express  it, 
as  better  judges  than  I  have  said  what  I  can  most 
heartily  and  sincerely  approve.  Every  one  that 
loves  music  will  certainly  enjoy  this,  the  latest  and 
greatest  of  Edison's  accomplishments.  It  reminds 
me  what  our  great  German  poet  said: 
"Where  one  sings  gladly 
Rest  there  in  confidence." 


R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Limited,  celebrated 
their  65th  anniversary  on  Jan.  20th,  1914,  by  a 
special  musical  program  and  an  "at  home"  recep- 
tion. It  was  the  anniversary  also  of  .their  first 
year  in  their  new  store. 


PIANOS  AND  PHONOGRAPHS 

THE  day  is  not  far  in  the  future  when  every 
piano  dealer  will  also  handle  phonographs. 
The  latter  have  been  brought  to  such  a  high 
state  of  perfection  that  most  homes  which  have 
pianos  are  coming  to  demand  them.  Music  teachers 
recommend  phonographs  for  the  voices  of  the  great- 
est and  best  singers  are  reproduced  without  a  flaw. 
The  phonograph  used  as  a  supplement  to  the  piano 
serves  as  an  inspiration  to  the  beginner  in  music 
when  the  best  class  of  records  is  purchased. 


12 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  APRIL,  1914 


DANCE    RECORDS    IN    GREAT 
DEMAND 

ALL  America  is  dancing  these  days.  The 
Terpsichorean  bug,  or  germ  is  in  the  air 
inoculating  everyone  with  a  desire  to  tango, 
to  one-step,  to  maxixe,  rtr  indulge  in  some  other  of 
those  wonderful  contortional  efforts  which  are  to 
be  witnessed  in  hotels,  tea  rooms,  cabarets,  theatres 
— in  fact,  wherever  one  turns  in  New  York  or  other 
large  cities  throughout  the  country. 

It  goes  without  saying  that  one  cannot  dance 
without  music,  and  here  is  where  the  talking  ma- 
chine is  playing  an  important  part.  The  demand 
for  records  for  dancing  purposes  has  far  exceeded 
the  supply  during  the  past  month,  and  this  demand 
is  certain  to  grow,  judging  from  the  growth  in 
popularity  of  the  modern  dances. 

Some  remarkable  figures  are  given  by  talking 
machine  jobbers  as  to  the  output  of  records  for 
dancing  purposes — figures  that  seem  staggering 
when  the  enormous  numbers  of  records  sold  within 
a  recent  date  are  considered. 

This  demand  for  records,  of  course,  has  increased 
the  call  for  talking  machines,  for  one  is  useless  with- 
out the  other.  As  a  result  the  past  month  has 
shown  a  good  increase  of  business  with  the  majority 
of  talking  machine  houses  throughout  the  country. 

Nowadays  the  talking  machine  is  indispensable 
not  only  for  the  dances,  but  for  those  who  desire 
to  hear  their  operatic  favorites  in  the  home,  and 
there  can  be  no  question  but  that  the  growing 
attendance  at  the  opera  houses  in  New  York,  Bos- 
ton, Philadelphia,  Chicago,  and  other  cities,  is  due 
to  the  increased  appreciation  of  operatic  music 
through  the  use  of  the  talking  machine  in  the  home. 

As  we  have  said  in  these  columns,  time  and  time 
again,  no  one  factor  is  contributing  more  to  the 
uplift  of  music  in  America  and  its  proper  appre- 
ciation than  the  talking  machine.  The  critics  who 
sneer  at  this  are  evidently  not  in  touch  with  the 
conditions  or  facts. 

Like  the  player-piano  the  talking  machine  is 
fulfilling  a  great  mission.  Purchasers  may  start 
with  rag-time,  or  popular  pieces,  but  they  gravitate 
in  time  toward  a  better  type  of  music — to  appre- 
ciate the  better  class  of  songs  from  the  leading 
operas  sung  by  notable  singers,  and  in  due  course 
they  want  to  hear  the  operas  and  the  singers  in 
person. 

This  is  an  evolutionary  process  that  takes  place 
in  the  majority  of  homes,  and  it  only  needs  an  inves- 
tigation by  anybody  concerned  to  find  hundreds 
of  thousands  of  instances  such  as  this. 

It  is  entirely  in  the  hands  of  the  talking  machine 
dealers  to  augment  the  work  of  the  manufacturers 
in  placing  the  talking  machine  in  a  right  light  before 
purchasers  everywhere — to  treat  of  it  from  the 
elevating — educational — artistic  viewpoints,  so  that 


its  constituency  of  admirers  may  be  broadened, 
and  those  who  are  still  "outside  the  breastworks" 
in  the  matter  of  knowledge  of  talking  machine  prog- 
ress, may  be  enlightened  and  interested. 

— From  the  Talking  Machine  World. 


EXTRA  SPECIAL  EDISON  DANCE 
RECORDS 

CONTINUING  our  policy  of  alertness  to  meet 
public  demands,  we  announce  eight  special 
dance  records.     These  eight  records  will  ap- 
pear in  the  June  Supplement.    Jobbers  and  Dealers 
should  bear  this  in  mind  and  avoid  duplication  (see 
page  15,  Nos.  2291  to  2298  inc.) 

In  addition  to  these  eight  new  records,  for  which 
a  special  supplement  will  be  supplied,  we  shall 
include  in  this  supplement  the  following  six  catalog 
numbers,  which  form  part  of  April  and  May  issues; 
all  by  the  National  Promenade  Band. 

2228     Love  is  so  Fickle — Waltz  Hesitation 

2231     The  Santley  Tango — When  Dreams  Come 

True 
2234    You're  My  Girl  Medley— Turkey  Trot 
2267     Nights  of  Gladness — Waltz  Boston 
2271     There's  a  Girl  in  the  Heart  of  Maryland- 
Turkey  Trot 
2276    All  for  the  Girlies — One-step 

The  opportunity  is  now  presented  to  expand  your 
record  business  and  to  increase  machine  sales  by 
taking  advantage  of  the  univerasl  dance  craze. 

Here  is  a  complete  list  of  48  Dance  records  in 
Blue  Amberols.  This  list  may  be  had  in  small 
folder  form  (3>^  x  6  in.)  four  pages.  (Ask  for  form 
2606). 

EDISON  BLUE  AMBEROL  RECORDS 
FOR  DANCING 


1889 
2013 
1506 
2005 


2296 
1564 


2206 
2292 
2293 
2228 


WALTZES 

By  the  New  York  Military  Band 
Angel's  Dream  Waltz 
Good  Night  Waltz 
Over  the  Waves  Waltz  (Rosas) 
Skaters  Waltz  (Waldteufel) 

By  the  National  Promenade  Band 
Rye  Waltzes — Scotch  Melodies 
Sounds  from  the  Operas  Waltzes 

HESITATION  WALTZES 

By  the  National  Promenade  Band 
Dreaming  {Joyce) 

Maurice — Hesitation  Waltz  (Shaw) 
Isle  D'Amour,  (Edwards) 
Love  is  so  Fickle  (Kruseman) 


WALTZES  BOSTON 

By  the  National  Promenade  Band 
2034     Gold  and  Silver  Waltz  (Lehar) 
2298     The  Poem  (Romberg) 
2096     Valse  Boston  (Drigo-Lumbye). 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  APRIL,  1914 


13 


TANGOS 

By  the  National  Promenade  Band 
2291     Dengozo-Maxixe — Tango  Brazilian 

{Nazareth) 
2209     Dream  Tango  {Davis) 
1756     La  Bella  Argentina  {Roberto) 
2161     La  Bella  Cubanera  {Lake) 

1842  La  Rumba  {Brymn) 
2135     Miss  Mexico  {Frantzen) 

2231     Santley  Tango — When  Dreams  Come  True 

{Hein) 
1744    Tango  Land  {Lodge) 
1922    Trocha  {Tyers) 

TWO-STEPS 

May  also  be  used  for  One-steps  and  Turkey  Trots 
By  the  National  Promenade  Band 

1843  Good-Bye  Boys  Medley 

2019     Here  Comes  My  Daddy  Now  Medley 

1859     Hula  Hula  Medley 

1802     My  Little  Persian  Rose  Mdeley 

1895     Officer  of  the  Day  {Hall),  and  The  Hurricane 

{Alpert-Paull) 
1937     Oh,  You  Silv'ry  Bells  Medley 
1939     Trail  of  the  Lonesome  Pine  Medley 
1752     When  the  Midnight  Choo-Choo  Leaves  for 

Alabam'  Medley  {Berlin) 

By  the  United  States  Marine  Band 
1766    Old  Comrades  March  {Teike) 

ONE-STEPS 
May  also  be  used  for  Two-steps  and  Turkey  Trots 

By  the  National  Promenade  Band 
2276    All  for  the  Girlies  {Gilbert) 
2294     Leg  of  Mutton  {Romberg) 
2207     Ma  Poulette  {Roberts) 
2297     Some  Smoke  {Romberg) 
1925     Too  Much  Mustard  {Macklin) 
2165     Tres  Chic  {Caslar) 

TURKEY  TROTS 

May  also  be  used  for  One-steps  and  Two-steps 
By  the  National  Promenade  Band 

International  Rag  Medley 

Queen  of  the  Movies  Medley  {Gilbert) 

Peg  o'  My  Heart  Medley 

That  Tango  Tokio  Medley 

There's   a   Girl   in   the   Heart  of  Maryland 
Medley 

When  It's  Apple  Blossom  Time  in  Normandy 
Medley 

You're  My  Girl  Medley 


2139 
2295 
2205 
2067 
2271 

2208 

2234 


MISCELLANEOUS 
2044     S.  R.  Henry's  Barn  Dance 

New  York  Military  Band 
2076     Horse  Trot  {Davis) 

National  Promenade  "Band 
1522     Money  Musk  Medley — Virginia  Reel 

National  Promenade  Band 
2063     Virginia  Reel         National  Promenade  Band 

An  Edison  phonograph  and  these  Blue  Amberol 
Records  form  an  ideal  combination  for  dancing. 
There  are  no  needles  to  change  and  a  record  can  be 
repeated  without  the  dancers  stopping  or  even  los- 
ing a  step.  Because  of  the  non-wearing  properties 
they  can  be  played  indefinitely. 


THE    DIAMOND    POINT    CAN    BE 

BROKEN  BY  CARELESS 

HANDLING 

OUR  attention  in  several  instances  has  been 
called  to  what  is  claimed  to  be  "defective 
diamonds."  In  every  instance  the  diamond 
had  been  chipped  or  broken.  We  have  no  doubt 
these  conditions  were  brought  about  by  careless 
handling;  that  the  damage  was  done  probably 
unconsciously.  It  is  possible  to  chip  or  break  a 
diamond  point  in  the  ordinary  running  of  the 
phonograph.  Take  an  A.  250  machine,  for  instance, 
and  suddenly  release  the  horn-raising  and  lowering 
lever  or  knob  (as  is  frequently  done)  and  the 
diamond  point  will  receive  a  sharp  blow  when  it 
touches  the  record,  augmented  by  a  resistance  when 
the  weight  hits  the  dome  of  the  cup.  This  will 
very  frequently  chip  the  diamond  and  the  injury 
will  not  be  observed  at  the  time. 

Or,  take  a  Diamond  Point  Reproducer  and  lay  it 
down  carelessly  on  a  table,  with  diamond  point 
against  the  table;  injury  is  very  likely  to  result. 
The  fact  is  a  real  diamond  is  exceedingly  brittle  and 
should  always  be  handled  with  care.  Take  the 
diamond  ring  on  your  finger,  for  instance  and  slap 
it  against  a  hard  surface  like  that  of  the  disc,  and 
you  are  taking  a  chance  of  cracking  or  chipping  it 

We  send  out  these  diamond  point  reproducers 
only  after  the  most  careful  inspection  and  rigid 
examination.  Each  reproducer  passes  through  a 
number  of  expert  hands.  The  chances  for  "defec- 
tive diamonds"  are  extremely  remote.  The  trouble, 
we  believe  lies  in  careless  handling.  The  Diamond 
Point  Reproducer  is  put  on  the  machine  in  too 
much  of  a  hurry;  it  is  brought  too  suddenly  in  con- 
tact with  the  revolving  disc;  it  is  ruthlessly  handled 
when  off  the  machine. 

We  do  not  believe  the  jobber  or  dealer  himself 
is  so  thoughtless  or  careless.  It  is  the  untrained 
demonstrator  and  particularly  the  uninstructed 
prospect  who  thus  causes  the  damage.  When  you 
send  an  Edison  on  trial,  send  a  demonstrator  with 
it,  or  at  least  impress  upon  the  prospect  who  is  to 
operate  it  the  importance  of  care  in  starting  the 
machine  and  bringing  the  diamond  into  position. 


A  FOUR-PAGE    leaflet,    size    of    an  ordinary 
envelope,    giving   a   list    of    Edison    Dance 
Records   on  Blue  Amberols   is   now    ready 
(Form  2606) . 

WANTED 

POSITION  AS  MANAGER  wanted  by  capa- 
ble man  with  fifteen  years'  experience  in  the 
Phonograph  business.  Experience  has  been  as 
Manager  with  one  of  the  largest  manufacturers  for 
a  number  of  years;  also  as  Sales  Manager.  Best  of 
references  can  be  furnished.  Address  Manager, 
Care  Edison  Phonograph  Monthly,  Orange,  N.  J. 


14  EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  APRIL,  1914 


DEALERS'   QUESTIONS  ANSWERED 


What  causes  bad  regulation  in  Disc  Models  A6Q 
and  A80  ? 

Bad  regulation  is  when  reproduction  at  times 
sounds  out  of  tune  or  pitch  and  is  usually  caused 
by  the  following: 

1.  Phonograph  not  setting  on  a  steady  surface. 

2.  Main  spring  of  motor  not  wound  up. 

3.  See  that  all  packing  material,  such  as 
blockings,  tie  string,  padding,  etc.  has  been  removed. 

4.  Examine  all  set  screws  to  see  if  screws  which 
should  be  tight  are  tight.  Sometimes  the  screws 
work  loose  from  the  shock  of  travel. 

5.  Some  gear  or  pulley  which  should  be  tight 
on  shaft  is  loose. 

6.  Some  pin  or  screw  on  a  revolving  part 
striking. 

7.  By  some  bearing  or  other  part  which  needs 
oiling  having  run  dry.  Oil  as  mentioned  under 
"Oiling." 

8.  Belt  too  loose  or  too  tight. 

9.  Belt  at  times  riding  on  flanges  of  pulleys. 

10.  Examine  the  phonograph  carefully,  see 
that  all  working  parts  are  free,  particularly  that 
there  is  no  dirt  or  packing  material  in  the  gear 
teeth. 

The  phonograph,  like  every  other  good  mechan- 
ism, should  be  clean,  and  kept  free  from  dust. 

11.  Motor  frame  being  sprung  by  cabinet 
warping.  (This  will  be  touched  upon  later  under 
"Location  of  Motor"). 

What  causes  a  drop  in  speed  while  playing  A60 
and  A80  Models  ? 

Should  the  speed  fluctuate  while  reproducing  a 
record,  usually  the  following  is  the  cause  and  rem- 
edy: 

1.  Main  spring  of  motor  not  wound  up. 

2.  Some  bearing  having  run  dry?  (The  subject 
of  "Oiling"  will  be  taken  up  later.). 

3.  The  governor  friction  having  run  dry. 
Apply  a  little  oil  mixed  with  a  trace  of  graphite 

to  friction  side  of  governor  disc. 

4.  Belt  too  tight  or  too  loose.  See  "Not  Play- 
ing Full  Record."  (It  will  also  be  touched  upon 
under  "A  Word  About  Belts"  to  appear  later). 

What  causes  A80  model  to  fail  sometimes  to  play 
a  full  record  ? 

If  the  phonograph  should  slow  down  after  being 
fully  wound  up  so  that  it  will  not  play  a  full  record 
through  at  the  same  speed,  the  following  is  usually 
the  cause,  which  can  be  ascertained  by, 

Removing  the  front  grille  by  slightly  raising  and 
pulling  out  from  bottom.  Next  remove  top  grille 
by  removing  all  screws  holding  same,  raise  both 
halves  of  grille  together,  to  clear  edge  of  cabinet, 
and  then  pull  the  halves  apart. 

1.  See  that  all  packing  material,  such  as  block- 
ings, tie  strings,  padding,  etc.  has  been  removed. 

2.  Should  packing  material  have  gotten  into 
mechanism,  carefully  remove  same,  in  fact,  it 
would  be  advisable  to  remove  motor  from  cabinet 
and  clean  with  benzine  or  gasoline.  See  "Cleaning." 


After  washing  the  movement,  apply  oil  sparingly, 
but  thoroughly.     This  is  covered  under  "Oiling." 

To  re-assemble  motor  to  cabinet,  see  "Location 
of  Motor." 

3.  Examine  all  set  screws  to  see  if  screws  which 
should  be  tight  are  tight.  Sometimes  the  screws 
work  loose  from  the  shock  of  travel. 

4.  The  motor  has  moved  backwards,  making 
the  belt  too  tight  thereby  putting  an  extra  load 
on  motor,  or 

5.  The  motor  has  moved  forward  making  belt 
100  loose  thereby  causing  fluctuation  of  speed. 

To  remedy,  replace  motor  in  its  proper  location 
as  mentioned  in  "Location  of  Motor."  (It  will 
also  be  touched  up  under  "A  Word  About  Belts," 
to  appear  later). 

6.  The  idler  pulley,  which  is  placed  on  every 
phonograph  to  take  up  the  slackness  of  the  belt  and 
which  should  ride  on  the  outside  face  has  slipped 
under  and  between  the  inside  of  belt. 

Replace  on  outside  of  belt. 

7.  The  arm,  which  carried  the  idler  pulley  has 
been  bent.  This  arm  should  be  so  that  the  faces 
of  the  idler  pulley  and  drive  pulley  are  parallel,  also 
the  flanges  must  be  in  one  line. 

8.  The  tension  spring  has  either  been  bent  or 
has  slipped  off  the  idler  arm. 

Bend  back  so  that  the  tension  of  spring  is  just 
strong  enough  to  keep  belt  from  slipping.  If  ten- 
sion spring  has  slipped  off  arm,  replace  it. 

9.  Turn-table  shaft  bearings-needing  oil.  (To 
be  treated  more  fully  under  "Oiling"  to  appear 
later). 

10.  Pulley  on  turn-table  shaft  or  pulley  on 
motor  drive  shaft  having  moved  and  rubbing 
against  bearings. 

The  pulleys  should  be  positioned  so  that  there  is 
about  ^2"  clearance  between  upper  bearing  and 
top  side  of  pulley.  The  belt  should  ride  in  the 
middle  of  faces,  that  is,  belt  must  not  touch  flanges 
of  pulleys,  or  idler,  and  pulleys  must  not  touch 
any  part  of  castings. 

11.  The  sheet  steel  support  on  which  turn-table 
shaft  bracket  is  fastened  has  been  sprung. 

To  see  if  support  has  sprung,  lay  a  straight  edge 
or  straight  bar  across  the  top  of  both  sides  of 
cabinet,  then  observe  if  distance  from  bottom  side 
of  straight  to  top  of  turn-table  is  the  same  on  both 
sides. 

Repeat  the  above  operation  only  place  straight 
edge  on  the  tops  of  back  and  front  of  cabinet. 

Should  these  distances  not  be  the  same  all  around, 
spring  support  until  they  are. 

12.  Sometimes  if  a  phonograph  is  kept  in  a 
damp  room  the  bottom  of  cabinet  will  warp, 
thereby  bending  the  motor  frame,  and  conse- 
quently not  allowing  motor  to  work  freely.  For 
remedy  see  "Location  of  Motor." 

13.  Phonograph  needing  oil  (This  will  be 
touched  upon  later  under  "Oiling.") 

14.  Main  spring  needing  lubrication,  see  "Oiling 
Main  Spring." 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  APRIL,  1914 


IS 


BLUE  AMBEROLS  FOR  JUNE 

To  be  on  sale  May  23d 
REGULAR  LIST 

50  cents  each  in  the  United  States;  65  cents  each  in  Canada 


2290  Medley  of  French-Canadian  Airs  (/.  V'ezina) 
For  Canada  Edison  Concert  Band 

2291  Dengozo-Maxixe — Tango  Brazilian 
{Ernesto  Nazareth) 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 

2292  Maurice  Hesitation— Waltz  {J as.  M.  Shaw) 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 

2293  Isle  D'Amour — Waltz  Hesitation 

(Leo  Edwards)        National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 

2294  Leg  of  Mutton — One-step  (S.  Romberg) 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 

2295  The  Queen  of  the  Movies  Medley— Turkey 
Trot  (Jean  Gilbert) 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 

2296  Rye  Waltzes— Scotch  Melodies 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 

2297  Some  Smoke  One-step  (S.  Romberg) 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 

2298  The  Poem— Waltz  Song  (S.  Romberg) 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 

2299  Favorite  Airs  from  The  Prince  of  Pilsen 
(Gustav  Luders)  Edison  Light  Opera  Co. 

Orchestra  accompaniment 

2300  In  the  Valley  of  the  Moon  (Jeff  Branen) 

Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Vernon  Archibald 
Soprano  and  baritone  duet,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2301  Flower  Song  (Gustav  Lange) 

Venetian  Instrumental  Quartet 
Violin,  violoncello,  flute  and  harp 

2302  When    the   Maple    Leaves   Were    Falling 
(Tell  Taylor) 

Helen  Clark  and  Emory  B.  Randolph 
Contralto  and  tenor  duet,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2303  Why  is  the  Ocean  so  Near  the  Shore — WThen 
Claudia  Smiles  (Clarence  Jones)     Ada  Jones 

Comic  song,  orchestra  accompaniment 


2304  In  the  Town  Where  I  was  Born 
(Al  Harriman) 

Owen  McCormack  and  Chorus 
Baritone  solo,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2305  While  the  Rivers  of  Love  Flow  on  (Ernest 
R.  Ball)  Charles  W.  Harrison 

Tenor  solo,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2306  St.  John  XIV:    1  to  3  and   A  Home  on  High 
(George  C.  Stebbins) 

Rev.  Madison  C.  Peters,  D.  D.,  and  Edison 

Mixed  Quartet 
Scripture  lesson  with  hymn,  organ  accompaniment 

2307  Sweet  Thoughts  of  Home  (Julian  Edwards) 

Mary  Jordan 
Contralto  solo,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2308  Going  Back  to  Arkansas 

Billy  Golden  and  Joe  Hughes 
Vaudeville  sketch 

2309  Lord,  I'm  Coming  Home  (Wm.  J .  Kirk- 
patrick) 

John  Young  and  Frederick  J.  Wheeler 
Sacred,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2310  She's   Dancing  Her  Heart  Away    (Kerry 
Mills)  Manuel  Romain 

Tenor  solo,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2311  Where  Can  I  Meet  You  To-night? 
(Arthur  Lange)    Ada  Jones  and  Billy  Murray 

Conversational  duet,  orchestra  accompanime?it 

2312  I  Love  You  Just  Like  Lincoln  Loved  the 
Old  Red,  White  and  Blue  (Jean  Schwartz) 

Peerless  Quartet 
Male  voices,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2313  At  the  Mermaids'  Fancy  Ball  (Harry  Israel) 

Billy  Murray 
Comic  song,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2314  Celebratin'  Day  in  Tennessee  (Jack  Glogau) 

Arthur  Collins  and  Byron  G.  Harlan 
Coon  duet,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2315  In  the  Vallev  Where  the  Blue-birds  Sing 
(Alfred  Solm'an) 

Emory  B.  Randolph  and  Chorus 
Tenor  solo,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2316  Mother's  Dear  Old  Chair  (Genevieve  Scott) 

Helen  Clark  and  Harvey  Hindermeyer 
Contralto  and  tenor  duet,  orchestra  accompaniment 


FIVE  ORDER  OF  ELKS'  RECORDS 

50  cents  each  in  the  United  States 
65  cents  each  in  Canada 


2317 
2318 


2319 
2320 

2321 


Elks'  Opening  and  Closing  Odes 

Knickerbocker  Quartet 
Elks'  Initiatory  March  and  "Nearer  My 
God  to  Thee" 

Organ  and  Knickerbocker  Quartet 
Elks'  Funeral  Odes  Knickerbocker  Quartet 
B.  P.  O.  E.— Elks'  Song  (Wills)  Comic  song 

Orchestra  accompaniment     Nat  M.  Wills 
Elks'  Minstrels  (Original) 


THREE  LOYAL  ORDER  OF  THE  MOOSE 
RECORDS 

50  cents  each  in  the  United  States 
65  cents  each  in  Canada 

2322  Opening  and  Memorial  Odes     Male  Quartet 

Organ  accompaniment 

2323  Initiatory  Odes  Male  Quartet 

Organ  accompaniment 

2324  Closing  Ode  Male  Quartet 

Organ  accompaniment 


Jobbers  of 
Edison  Phonographs  and    Records 


DISC  AND  CYLINDER 

CALIFORNIA 
Los  Angeles — Southern  California  Music  Co. 
San  Francisco — Pacific  Phonograph  Co. 

COLORADO 
Denver — Denver  Dry  Goods  Co. 

CONNECTICUT 
New  Haven — Pardee-Ellenberger  Co. 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago — The  Phonograph  Co. 
INDIANA 
Indianapolis — Kipp-Link  Phonograph  Co. 

IOWA 
Des  Moines — Harger  &  Blish. 

MAINE 
Bangor — S.  L.  Crosby  Co. 
Portland — Portland  Sporting  Goods  Co. 

MARYLAND 
Baltimore — McKee  Surgical  Instrument  Co. 

MASSACHUSETTS 
Boston — Pardee-Ellenberger  Co. 
MICHIGAN 
Detroit — American  Phonograph  Co. 

MINNESOTA 
Minneapolis — Laurence  H.  Lucker. 

MISSOURI 
Kansas  City — Phonograph  Co.  of  Kansas  City 
St.  Louis — Silverstone  Music  Co. 

MONTANA 
Helena — Montana  Phonograph  Co. 

NEBRASKA 
Omaha — Shultz  Bros. 

NEW  JERSEY 
Hoboken — Eclipse  Phonograph  Co. 

NEW  YORK 
Albany — American  Phonograph  Co. 
Gloversville — American  Phonograph  Co. 
Oswego — Frank  E.  Bolway. 

OHIO 
Cincinnati — The  Phonograph  Co. 
Cleveland — The  Phonograph  Co. 
Toledo — Hayes  Music  Co. 

OREGON 
Portland — Graves  Music  Co. 

PENNSYLVANIA 
Philadelphia — Girard  Phonograph  Co. 
Pittsburgh — Buehn  Phonograph  Co. 

WlLLIAMSPORT W.  A.  MYERS. 

TENNESSEE 
Memphis — Atwood  Phonograph  Co. 

TEXAS 
Dallas — Southern  Talking  Machine  Co. 
Fort  Worth — Texas-Oklahoma  Phonograph  Co. 
Houston — Houston  Phonograph  Co. 

UTAH 
Ogden — Proudfit  Sporting  Goods'Co. 

VIRGINIA  ' 
Richmond — C.  B.  Haynes  &  Co. 

WASHINGTON 
Seattle — Pacific  PhonographCo.,  N.  W. 
Spokane — Graves  Music  Co. 

WISCONSIN 
Milwaukee — Milwaukee  Phonograph  Co. 

CANADA 
Quebec — C.  Robitaille. 
Montreal — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 
St.  John— W.  H.  Thorne  &  Co.,  Ltd. 
Toronto — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 
Vancouver — Kent  Piano  Co.,  Ltd. 


Winnipeg — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 

Babson  Bros. 
Calgary — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 


CYLINDER  ONLY 

ALABAMA 
Birmingham — Talking  Machine  Co. 
Mobile — W.  H.  Reynalds. 

COLORADO 
Denver — Hext  Music  Co. 

GEORGIA 
Atlanta — Atlanta  Phonograph  Co. 
Waycross — Youmans  Jewelry  Co. 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago — Babson  Bros. 

James  I.  Lyons. 
Peoria — Peoria  Phonograph  Co. 
Putnam-Page  Co.,  Inc. 
Quincy — Quincy  Phonograph  Co. 

IOWA 
Sioux  City — Harger  &  Blish. 

MARYLAND 
Baltimore — E.  F.  Droop  &  Sons  Co. 

MASSACHUSETTS 
Boston — Eastern  Talking  Machine  Co. 

Iver  Johnson  Sporting  Goods  Co. 
Lowell — Thomas  Wardell. 

MINNESOTA 
St.  Paul— W.  J.  Dyer  &  Bro. 
Koehler  &  Hinrichs. 

MISSOURI 
Kansas  City — Schmelzer  Arms  Co. 
NEW  HAMPSHIRE 
Manchester — John  B.  Varick  Co. 
NEW  JERSEY 
Paterson — James  K.  O'Dea. 

NEW  YORK 
Albany — Finch  &  Hahn. 
Buffalo — W.  D.  Andrews. 

Neal,  Clark  &  Neal  Co. 
Elmira — Elmira  Arms  Co. 

New  York  City — Blackman  Talking  Machine  Co. 
J.  F.  Blackman  &  Son. 
I.  Davega,  Jr.,  Inc. 
S.  B.  Davega  Co. 
Greenhut-Siegel-Cooper  Co. 
Rochester — Talking  Machine  Co. 
Syracuse — W.  D.  Andrews  Co. 
Utica — Arthur  F.  Ferriss. 
William  Harrison. 

PENNSYLVANIA 
Philadelphia — Louis  Buehn. 

Penn  Phonograph  Co. 
H.  A.  Weymann  &  Son. 
Scranton — Ackerman  &  Co. 

RHODE  ISLAND 
Providence — J.  A.  Foster  Co. 
J.  Samuels  &  Bro. 
TEXAS 
El  Paso— W.  G.  Walz  Co. 
San  Antonio — H.  C.  Rees  Optical  Co. 

UTAH 
Salt  Lake  City — Consolidated  Music  Co. 

VERMONT 
Burlington — American  Phonograph  Co. 


<®w  EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH 


MONTHLY 


<©£  EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY 


SOME  ITEMS  OF  INTEREST 


Mr.  Edison  returned  from  Florida  on  April  20th, 
much  benefitted  by  his  outing.  John  Burroughs, 
who  was  in  the  Edison  party,  has  gone  to  Italy; 
Mr.  Ford,  to  Detroit. 


With  this  issue,  we  drop  the  Table  of  Contents 
usually  found  at  the  head  of  this  page.  It  is  our 
intention  to  compile  a  complete  index  to  the  twelve 
monthly  numbers  at  the  end  of  each  year.  This 
will  be  a  classified  index  to  all  articles  and  this  we 
think  will  greatly  facilitate  finding  any  article  that 
has  appeared  during  the  year. 


This  is  the  time  of  year  to  urge  your  patrons  to 
take  their  Edison  phonographs  with  them  on  their 
summer  outing.  A  good  brisk  letter  to  each  one, 
offering  to  box  and  ship  the  machine  will  bring 
you  orders  for  new  Records.  Don't  wait  till  summer 
comes  and  lament  dull  times;  get  summer  trade 
orders  now  before  people  get  far  away. 


One  of  the  first  dealers  in  Philadelphia  to  repre- 
sent the  Edison  talking-machines,  M.  Goodstein, 
is  rounding  out  his  fourteenth  year  of  business  at 
his  store,  N.  5207  Market  Street,  that  city. 


The  American  Phonograph  Co.,  formerly  of 
Gloversville,  N.  Y.  have  now  located  at  707-709 
Broadway,  Albany,  N.  Y.,  as  exclusive  Edison 
Jobbers.  The  building  covers  a  floor  space  of 
40  x  200  and  they  occupy  two  floors.  A  brisk 
trade  has  already  begun  and  they  are  looking  for- 
ward to  a  very  busy  and  profitable  summer. 


One  of  the  finest  music  stores  in  the  Pacific  North- 
west is  the  new  home  of  the  Graves  Music  Co.  at 
149-151  Fourth  street,  Spokane,  Wash. 

The  main  wareroom  is  floored  with  fancy  inlaid 
marble,  with  the  woodwork  in  mahogany  finish. 
On  the  second  floor  the  large  showroom  and  the 
recital  hall  are  finished  in  Circassian  walnut  and 
the  decorations  throughout  are  most  elaborate. 

The  building  contains  four  floors  and  basement, 
with  a  mezzanine  balcony  running  around  the  ware- 
room  floor.  On  the  second  floor  is  a  large  recital 
hall,  on  the  third  floor  separate  parlors  for  the 
player-pianos,  as  well  as  the  repair  department, 
and  on  the  top  floor  the  musical  merchandise  de- 
partment with  all  the  instruments  displayed  in 
handsome  new  cases. 

The  Graves  Music  Co.,  was  established  in  that 
city  eighteen  years  ago  with  limited  capital,  and 
now'operateslarge  stores  both  there  and  in  Portland. 


i  Harger  &  Blish  will  retire  from  the  Dubuque, 
Iowa  trade.  Some  five  years  ago  their  wholesale 
business  was  transferred  to  Des  Moines  and  Sioux 
City  and  since  that  time  they  have  maintained  only 
a  retail  stock  of  pianos  and  phonographs  in 
Dubuque.  

At  "The  Edison  Shop, "as  the  Silverstone  music 
warerooms  in  St.  Louis  are  becoming  known,  there  is 
much  talk  of  the  fast  growing  wholesale  trade. 
Two  additional  demonstration  rooms  have  been 
added  to  the  first  floor  equipment,  making  a  total 
of  six  on  this  floor,  and  it  is  probable  a  small  concert 
hall  will  also  be  provided. 

A  framed  reproduction  of  Thomas  A.  Edison's 
first  patent  papers,  issued  in  1878,  has  been  at- 
tracting much  attention  in  the  Silverstone  Music 
Co.'s  windows.  The  drawings  have  been  much 
commented  upon  by  those  who  have  investigated 
their  own  machines  sufficiently  to  know  the  inner 
construction.  

Very  handsome  quarters  have  been  opened  at 
213  Second  street,  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  by  the  Mil- 
waukee Phonograph  Company  for  the  exclusive 
sale  of  Edison  products.  And  the  concern  is  meet- 
ing with  great  success  in  its  sales  and  in  securing 
new  dealers.  They  have  very  elaborately  fitted 
up  their  quarters  and  are  handling  both  disc  and 
cylinder  lines  of  Edison  goods.  More  than  2,000 
people  visited  the  establishment,  and  the  Edison 
line  has  been  given  such  wide  publicity  in  Mil- 
waukee that  sales  of  machines  and  records  climbed 
higher  during  the  first  two  weeks  than  Manager 
William  A.  Schmidt  had  ever  anticipated.  The 
honor  of  making  the  first  sale  on  the  opening  day 
went  to  Miss  Margaret  Schumacher,  office  man- 
ager of  the  Milwaukee  Phonograph  Co.  The  ma- 
chine was  a  £#250  Edison  disc  and  was  sold  one 
hour  after  the  store  was  opened. 

True  to  the  predictions  of  Manager  William  A. 
Schmidt,  the  new  Edison  store  proved  to  be  some- 
thing entirely  different  and  more  elaborate  than 
any  retail  talking  machine  establishment  ever 
opened  in  Milwaukee.  More  than  37,000  was  spent 
in  remodeling  and  in  the  fixtures  and  decorations. 
The  fixtures  and  woodwork  are  in  silver  gray  oak 
and  the  interior  of  the  store  shows  excellent  taste. 
The  general  color  scheme  is  black,  gray  and  gold 
The  walls  in  the  main  demonstration  room,  and  in 
the  various  other  demonstration  parlors,  are  covered 
with  silk  tapestry,  while  the  stencil  work  on  each 
panel  is  different  and  is  done  in  six  different  colors. 
Surely  great  success  awaits  them  with  such  a 
splendid  equipment. 


50 


THE    EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH    MONTHLY 

Published  in  the  interest  of 

EDISON  PHONOGRAPHS  AND  RECORDS 

BY 

THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  Inc. 
ORANGE,  N.  J.,  U.  S.  A. 

THOMAS  A.   EDISON,   LTD.,  25  CLERKENWELL  ROAD,   LONDON,  E.  C. 

THOMAS  A.  EDISON.  LTD.,  364-372  KENT  STREET,  SYDNEY,   N.  S.  W. 

COMPANIA  EDISON  HISPANO-AMERICANA,  VIAMONTE  515,  BUENOS  AIRES. 

EDISON  GESELLSCHAFT,  M    B.  H.  10  FRIEDRICHSTRASSE,  BERLIN. 

COMPAGNIE  FRANCAISE  THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  59  RUE  DES  PETITES-ECURIES,  PARIS. 

Volume  XII  MAY,  1914  Number  5 

AN  ANNOUNCEMENT  IN  REGARD  TO  THE 
EDISON  CYLINDER  PRODUCT 

ON  several  occasions  we  have  been  told  that  a  rumor  is  abroad 
to  the  general  effect  that  we  intend  ultimately  to  abandon 
the  manufacture  of  Edison  Cylinder  Phonographs  and  Records  and 
that  there  will  be  a  diminishment  of  our  activity  in  respect  to  these 
products.     We  wish  to  deny  this  most  emphatically. 

The  confidence  of  this  Company  in  the  continued  demand  for  the 
Edison  Cylinder  product  is  proven  by  the  enormous  investment  we 
have  made  in  recent  months  in  the  improvement  of  this  line  and  the 
further  expenditures  that  are  now  being  made  with  the  same  purpose 
in  view. 

We  expect  to  push  the  sale  of  the  Edison  Blue  Amberol  Records 

and  the  Edison  Diamond  Amberolas  with  renewed  vigor  and,  are  at 

present   investigating   several   new    methods    of   sales-exploitation    in 

order  to  find  those  best  suited  to  this  product.     Such  methods  as  test 

out  satisfactorily  will  be  submitted  to  the  Trade  in  due  time.     We 

expect  to  make  an  unusually  vigorous  campaign — commencing  during 

the  coming  season. 

C.  H.  WILSON, 

Vice-President  and  General  Manager. 

51 


52 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MAY,  1914 


I 


TWO  ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Mr.  Dolbeer's  Resignation — Mr.  Ireton 
Appointed  as  Sales  Manager 

TT  is  with  sincere  regret  that  we  announce  the 

resignation  of  Mr.    F.    K.  Dolbeer,    effective 

April  4th.     He  has  been  with  us  for  the  past 

fifteen  years,  nine  as  Credit  Manager  and  six  as 

Sales  Manager  of  the  Phonograph  Department. 

Mr.  Dolbeer  has  resigned  to  become  Vice  Presi- 
dent of  a  company  that  has  been  organized  by 
Western  and  New  York  capitalists  to  handle  the 
Edison  Phonograph  line  in  New  York  City.  Need- 
less to  say  he  carries  with  him  the  best  wishes  of 
this  Company  and  those  who  have  been  associated 
with  him. 

Mr.  A.  C.  Ireton,  who  for  the  past  eleven  years 
has  been  Assistant  Sales  Manager  of  the  Phono- 
graph Department,  will  succeed  Mr.  Dolbeer  as 
Sales  Manager.  We  feel  confident  that  his  adminis- 
tration of  the  Phonograph  Sales  Department  will 
be  satisfactory  to  the  entire  trade." 

C.  H.  WILSON, 
Vice  President  and  Gen'l.  Manager. 


THE  TIDE  IS  TURNING  IN 
YOUR  FAVOR 

ABOUT  a  year  or  more  ago  we  were  all  fighting 
for  our  lives  to  prevent  the  enactment  of  leg- 
islation that  sought  to  prohibit  price  main- 
tenance. So  far  the  result  of  our  fight  has  been 
not  only  that  no  such  hostile  legislation  has  been 
enacted,  but,  best  of  all,  is  not  likely  now  to  be 
enacted.  The  opposition  has  been  too  great!  The 
legislators  at  Washington  have  been  made  aware 
of  it  in  no  uncertain  tones  from  all  quarters. 

But  there' 's  good  news!  At  the  present  session  of 
Congress,  measures  are  being  introduced  seeking 
to  fully  legalize  the  policy  of  standard  prices  on 
standard  goods.  This  bill  is  No.  13305,  and  was 
introduced  by  Hon.  Mr.  Stevens  of  New  Hamp- 
shire on  February  12th,  last.  It  is  a  measure  that 
appears  fair  to  all  alike — to  manufacturer,  retailer, 
and  consumer.  Of  course  there  may  be  some  who 
will  find  flaws  in  it.  That  can  be  done  of  any  bill 
if  one  is  persistent  enough  to  intrude  his  own  sel- 
fish ideals.  Every  business  man  can  find  some 
point  in  every  bill  he  wishes  changed  to  favor  his 
business. 

This  Stevens  bill,  looked  at  in  a  broad  light,  is 
an  honest  measure  in  favor  of  honest  business,  and 
will,  if  passed,  benefit  all  retail  dealers — to  whom 
price  maintenance  is  the  very  life  of  his  business. 
That  means  a  wholesome  breath  to  all  the  public. 

Why  is  it  fair?  Just  because  it  provides  against  all 
unjust  discrimination.  It  provided  that  the  manufac- 
turer who  would  make  his  retail  price  uniform  must 


also  make  his  wholesale  price  uniform,  and  there- 
by it  protects  the  small  dealer. 

A  WORD  OF  WARNING  RIGHT  NOW. 
Don't  presume  the  bill  is  going  to  pass  anyway — 
whether  you  and  thousands  of  other  dealers  say  a 
word  or  keep  silent.  No  such  thing!  Write  your 
Representative  and  Senator  urging  the  pas- 
sage of  House  Bill  No.  13305. 


THE  AMERICAN  PHONOGRAPH 
COMPANY 

THE  American  Phonograph  Conpany,  of  which 
Mr.  N.  D.  Griffin  is  President,  has  the  repu- 
tation of  being  one  of  the  oldest  enthusiastic 
Edison  Jobbers  in  the  country.  Over  fifteen  years 
ago  the  Company  tied  up  with  the  Edison  interests, 
and  ever  since  that  time  it  has  carried  out  a  jobbing 
and  retailing  business  at  Gloversviile,  N.  Y.  The 
Company  is  still  an  exclusive  Edison  Jobber. 

Some  months  ago  the  Company  decided  to  re- 
move the  jobbing  portion  of  its  produce  to  Albany, 
because  of  the  greater  shipping  advantages  of  the 
latter  place,  and  to  that  end  has  leased  a  store 
located  at  707  and  709  Broadway,  in  the  heart  of 
the  wholesale  district.  The  Company  took  posses- 
sion of  its  new  quarters  some  weeks  ago  and  is  now 
fully  installed.  It  has  ample  facilities  for  giving 
Edison  dealers  in  the  vicinity  of  Albany  the  best 
possible  service.  Only  a  jobbing  business  will  be 
conducted  at  the  new  location.  The  store  has  a 
frontage  of  45  feet  and  a  depth  of  180  feet.  The 
main  floor  is  occupied  with  offices  and  two  attrac- 
tively fitted  up  booths  for  the  display  of  Edison 
goods  to  present  and  prospective  dealers.  Mr. 
Griffin  extends  a  cordial  invitation  to  all  dealers 
in  his  territory  to  make  his  store  their  headquarters 
while  in  Albany.  The  Company  will  have  two 
travelling  men,  who  will  cover  Northern  New 
York,  Northern  Pennsylvania,  Vermont,  part  of 
New  Hampshire  and  Western  Massachusetts. 

The  removal  of  the  long  established  business  of 
the  Company  from  Gloversviile  to  Albany  was  not 
undertaken  without  much  careful  investigation 
as  to  the  advantages  to  accrue  to  the  interest  of 
the  Company.  Albany  is  not  only  the  capital  city, 
but  it  is  a  natural  center  to  which  people  from  all 
sections  of  the  state  gravitate,  and  sooner  or  later 
every  one  of  importance  goes  to  Albany.  The  city 
is  also  the  meeting  place  of  various  organizations, 
political  and  otherwise.  Its  shipping  facilities  are 
unexcelled,  consisting  of  four  railroads,  river  boats 
and  trolley  service. 

Mr.  Griffin  believes  that  the  Edison  line  has  a 
great  future  and  this  belief  is  the  chief  reason  why 
the  Company  has  put  itself  in  possession  of  such 
ample  facilities  to  secure  an  Edison  jobbing  business. 
The  Company  will  continue  its  retail  branch  at 
Gloversviile. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MAY,  1914 


53 


ALBERT  SPALDING 

'America's  Greatest  Violinist"  (Under  Exclusive  Edison  Contract). 


ALBERT  SPALDING,  whose  recent  triumphs 
in  Europe  and  this  country  have  earned  the 
title  of  "America's  greatest  violinist,"  was 
born  in  Chicago,  111.,  on  August  15th,  1888.  He  is 
therefore  only  twenty-six  years  of  age.  He  received 
his  musical  education  in  New  York,  Florence  and 
Paris. 

As  a  very  young  child  he  showed  remarkable 
fondness  for  music.  He  would  sit  for  hours  listen- 
ing to  his  mother,  a  fine  singer  and  accomplished 
musician.  At  seven  he  asked  for  a  violin,  and  quick- 
ly astonished  his  parents  by  his  wonderful  aptitude 
for  the  instrument.  A  three-quarter  size  Gallano 
was  procured,  and  he  commenced  to  study  seriously 
with  Chiti,  of  Florence  (where  his  parents  have  a 
winter  residence),  and  during  the  summer  months, 
(which  they  spend  in  America)  he  continued  his 
studies  under  Juan  Buitrago  in  New  York. 

He  made  his  first  appearance  when  ten  years 
of  age   before  the  Duke  and  Duchess  of  Connaught. 

Professor  Chiti  became  so  impressed  with  the 
genius  of  the  boy  that,  wishing  for  confirmation  of 
his  opinion,  he  suggested  his  charge  should  undergo 
the  severe  test  of  an  examination  for  a  professor- 
ship at  Bologna  Conservatoire.  The  committee 
of  examination  consisted  of  three  violin  professors, 
two  of  the  'cello  and  the  principal  of  the  Conser- 
vatoire. The  boy  secured  forty-eight  marks  out  of 
a  possible  fifty,  and,  as  the  points  required  to  pass 
were  only  thirty,  it  will  readily  be  seen  that  young 
Spalding  was  phenomenally  gifted.  The  professors 
were  astounded  that  one  so  young — he  was  only 
fourteen — should  have  come  through  the  trying 
ordeal  so  triumphantly,  unanimously  declaring 
that  he  was  the  youngest  on  record  to  pass  such 
an  exacting  examination.  A  search  of  the  books 
revealed  the  fact  that,  133  years  before,  Mozart 
passed  an  examination  for  the  piano  at  precisely 
the  same  age. 

The  young  musician  next  went  to  Paris  and  stud- 
ied for  two  years  with  Lofort,  where  he  made  his 
professional  debut  on  June  6th,  1906,  at  the  Nou- 
veau  Theatre,  and  later,  at  the  invitation  of  Co- 
quelin,  appeared  with  Patti  at  the  Chatelet,  and  at 
once  achieved  great  success. 

Two  seasons  in  Europe  have  served  to  emphasize 
his  accomplishments.  Adheaume  de  Chevigne,  the 
great  French  critic,  said  of  him  that  he  had  "con- 
quered Paris  at  once — -and  forever." 

After  a  brilliant  French  season  Mr.  Spalding  took 
Germany  by  storm  in  one  of  the  most  triumphal 
tours  ever  recorded,  comprising  every  important 
musical  city  of  the  great  empire.  Success  after 
success     followed     concert     after     concert:      from 


Cologne  to  Frankfort — from  Frankfort  to  Hamburg 
— from  Hamburg  to  Leipzig — from  Leipzig  to  Dres- 
den— from  Dresden  to  Stuttgart — from  Stuttgart 
to  Munich. 

While  enjoying  a  great  Berlin  reputation  Spalding 
had  not  until  this  tour  played  in  the  German 
Provinces  which  were  clamoring  for  him,  and  with 
the  first  stroke  of  his  bow  he  conquered  the  music 
lovers  of  the  fatherland,  who  spontaneously  acclaim- 
ed him  as  one  of  the  greatest  living  masters  of  the 
violin.  To  quote  a  Hamburg  critic:  "Spalding 
appeared  in  the  German  musical  firmament  as  a 
comet  shining  with  so  much  brilliancy  that  he 
astonished  and  charmed  his  audience." 

Albert  Spalding's  tour  of  Germany  ended  in 
Munich,  amid  thundering  applause,  demands  for 
endless  encores;  and  has  classed  Spalding  in  German 
musical  opinion  as  unquestionably  one  of  the  world's 
greatest  artists. 

Spalding  made  his  reappearance  in  America  at 
Carnegie  Hall  on  October  21st,  1914.  The  day,  in 
the  matter  of  weather,  was  most  unpropitious,  the 
atmosphere  being  warm,  humid  and  depressing. 
Yet  all  this  did  not  interfere  with  the  size  or  spirit 
of  Mr.  Spalding's  audience,  nor  temper  the  warmth 
of  the  welcome  extended  to  his  artistic  program. 

Algernon  St.  John-Brenor,  critic  of  the  New  York 
Morning  Telegraph,  said:  "There  was  something 
fresh,  manly,  clean-cut  about  this  young  man. 
He  stood  before  his  audience,  quietly,  with  some 
self-confidence,  yet  modestly,  without  suggestion 
of  pose,  or  flummery  of  attitudenizing  of  any  kind, 
and  furthermore  he  played  admirably  well. 

"This  was  exactly  what  one  expects  of  the  Amer- 
ican in  interpretative  art,  efficiency  combined  with 
personal  dignity  and  simplicity  of  manner.  I  have 
noticed  it  before  in  the  case  of  some  of  the  best 
of  our  American  singers.  Such  a  carriage  is  like  a 
breeze  amid  a  cloud  of  heavy  perfumed  tropic 
vapors.  Such  an  artist  must  be  welcome  among 
the  people  that  produce  none  too  many  artists, 
however  rich  it  is  in  amateurs  of  all  that  is  best  in 
music." 

The  successful  career  of  Mr.  Spalding  marks  an 
epoch  in  the  history  of  American  music.  He  is  the 
first  American  who  has  won  for  himself  a  European 
reputation  as  an  instrumentalist.  He  is  the  first 
American  who,  out  of  sheer  love  of  the  thing,  has 
devoted  himself  to  the  prolonged  and  arduous 
study  of  a  most  difficult  instrument  and  he  is  cer- 
tainly the  first  to  have  made  a  conspicuous  and 
envied  figure  for  himself  in  a  field  where  competi- 
tion and  comparison  are  bitterly  sustained  and 
criticism  is  singularly  merciless. 


54 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MAY,  1914 


WHO'S  WHO  AMONG  EDISON  JOBBERS 

FIFTH  ARTICLE 


O.  A.  REYNOLDS 

Traveling  Salesman 


MARKS  SILVERSTONE 

President 


L.  M.  SCHLUDE 

Traveling  Salesman 


SilversTone  Music  Co. 

EXCLUSIVELY  EDISON 

Diamond  Disc  Phonographs,  Diamond  Cylinder  Phonographs 
Dictating  Machines 

1124  OLIVE  STREET,  ST.  LOUIS 


THE  motto,  "There's  a  silver  lining  to  every 
cloud"  proves  itself  in  the  business  experience 
of  Marks  Silverstone,  who  was  literally  pushed 
into  the  phonograph  business  through  a  force  of 
circumstances.  It  is  a  rare  thing  in  the  business 
world  that  a  man  undertakes  a  new  business  against 
his  own  free  will. 

In  the  year  1903  Mr.  Silverstone,  selling  an  en- 
tirely different  line  of  goods,  sub-rented  one-half 
of  the  store  at  923  Olive  St.,  from  the  Ray  Company, 
Edison  jobbers.  The  Ray  Company  sold  out  to 
the  Western  Talking  Machine  Company,  who, 
after  a  period  of  three  months,  moved  into  the  store 
next  door. 

The  dark  cloud  appeared  when  Mr.  Silverstone 
realized  that  the  entire  store  was  on  his  hands  with 
a  rental  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars.  His  own 
business  could  under  no  circumstances  afford  such 
a  rental;  therefore,  after  four  days'  deliberation, 
he  decided  the  only  logical  thing  to  do  was  to  put 


in  a  stock  of  Edison  Phonographs.  An  investment 
of  3800  was  made  and  the  vacant  half  of  the  store 
again  occupied  with  phonographs  and  records. 
At  that  time  there  were  three  Edison  jobbers 
within  a  block. 

In  the  early  part  of  1905,  on  account  of  the  build- 
ing being  torn  down,  Mr.  Silverstone  was  com- 
pelled to  move  to  another  location,  one  block 
farther  west,  at  1010  Olive  St.,  where  he  discon- 
tinued his  other  business,  making  the  store  exclu- 
sively a  talking-machine  store.  In  the  year  1906, 
The  Western  Talking  Machine  Company,  Edison 
jobbers,  with  a  large  stock  of  phonographs  and 
records  was  bought  out  by  the  Silverstone  Talking 
Machine  Company.  Mr.  Silverstone  continued  as 
a  dealer  until  the  year  1907,  when  his  business  grew 
to  such  an  extent  that  he  was  able  to  qualify  as  an 
Edison  jobber. 

In  the  year  1910,  The  Conroy  Piano  Company, 
also  Edison  jobbers,  made  overtures  to  sell  out  their 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MAY,  1914 


55 


stock  of  phonographs  and  records  and  the  Silver- 
stone  Talking  Machine  Company  bought  them 
out.  This  left  two  jobbers  in  the  entire  city;  and 
in  the  year  1912  Mr.  Silverstone  purchased  from 
the  only  remaining  jobber,  Koeber  Brenner  Music 
Company,  their  entire  stock  of  Edison  phono- 
graphs and  records. 

Mr.  Silverstone  attributes  his  success  to  specializ- 
ing on  the  Edison;  to  always  making  a  difference 
between  cash  and  time,  and  in  having  a  thorough 
mechanical  knowledge  of  phonographs.  He  believed 
devoutly  in  the  saying,  "If  anything  is  worth  know- 
ing, it  is  worth  knowing  well."  He  also  believed  in 
the  advertising  value  of  an  attractive  window;  and, 
being  of  a  mechanical  turn  of  mind,  he  frequently 
invented  mechanical  contrivances  which  attracted 
the  public  to  his  window.  This  was  a  source  of 
much  advertising  value. 

In  the  month  of  July  1912,  Mr.  Silverstone, 
President,  having  returned  from  a  trip  to  New 
York  and  placed  a  jobber's  order  for  the  New 
Diamond  Disc  Phonographs,  decided  that  he  would 
need  larger  quarters  for  the  new  line.  In  the  mean- 
time having  considered  that  the  name  "Talking 
Machine"  could  not  be  appropriately  applied  to 
the  new  Edison  Phonograph,  arrangements  were 
made  to  change  the  name  to  "The  Silverstone 
Music  Co." 

A  lease  was  then  taken  of  the  five-story  building 
at  1124  Olive  St.,  covering  nearly  fifteen  thousand 
square  feet,  to  be  devoted  exclusively  to  Edison 
phonographs.  The  first  floor  contains  demon- 
stration booths  and  the  office;  and,  also  a  small 
concert  hall  for  business  men.  The  second  floor  is 
devoted  to  private  demonstration  booths  and  a 
large  concert  hall.  The  other  floors  are  needed  for 
packing,  storage  and  shipping  of  Edison  phono- 
graphs and  records. 

Mr.  Silverstone,  speaking  of  his  success  as  a 
dealer  and  jobber  of  the  Edison,  sometimes  re- 
marks: "I  started  with  3800  and  still  have  the 
eight  hundred." 


THE   JOBBER    IN   AN   ADVISORY 
CAPACITY 

By  Marks  Silverstone,  President  of 
The  Silverstone  Music  Company 

THE  jobber  should  always  be  ready  to  act  in  an 
advisory  capacity  to  the  dealer,  because  the 
dealer  naturally  looks  to  the  jobber  for  guid- 
ance, just  as  the  merchant  seeks  advice  from  his 
banker.  The  jobber's  experience  is  invaluable  to  a 
dealer,  particularly  if  that  jobber  started  originally 
as  a  dealer  and  has  experienced  the  difficulties  that 
now  beset  the  dealer  in  his  business  career.  The 
dealer  will  undoubtedly  have  greater  confidence  in 
the  man  who  can  preface  his  remarks  with  "I  have 


been  through  just  what  you  are  going  through  and 
I  overcame  the  difficulty  in  this  way." 

The  timid  dealer  is  generally  afraid  to  stock  up; 
particularly  with  records.  Looking  upon  the 
record-sales  as  a  secondary  consideration,  when  I 
was  a  dealer  my  greatest  fear  was  that  I  would  not 
have  the  particular  record  wanted;  and  very 
rarely  would  I  admit  "We're  out  of  that  record;" 
instead,  I  would  suggest  another  record  bya  sking, 
"Have  you  heard  so  and  so?"  The  customer  would 
invariably  answer  "No."  Upon  offering  to  play 
it,  the  customer  would  acquiesce  nine  times  out 
of  ten,  and  the  records  suggested  would  be  sold  and 
the  ones  asked  for,  forgotten. 

The  timid  dealer  is  generally  afraid  to  stock  up 
on  the  higher  priced  machine.  This  is  a  mistake> 
because  while  the  higher  priced  machines  may  not 
fit  a  certain  customer's  pocketbook,  they  will  have 
a  tendency  to  cause  him  to  invest  more  than  he 
originally  intended. 

There  is  another  class  of  dealers  with  small  capi- 
tal, who  are  over  zealous  to  do  all  the  business  possi- 
ble. They  take  any  kind  of  payments,  never 
charging  interest  and  therefore  doing  little  cash 
business.  Before  they  know  it  they  have  a  lot  of 
leases  in  their  safes  with  no  ready-money  to  pay 
their  obligations  to  the  jobber. 

One  of  the  hardest  things  for  the  over-zealous 
dealer  is  to  see  his  competitor  doing  business  while 
he  is  making  few  sales.  He  will  swallow  the  tales 
brought  to  him  about  his  competitors  activity.  As 
a  rule,  statements  made  by  customers,  when  re- 
ferring to  a  competitor,  are  generally  distorted  to 
suit  their  own  individual  ideas  and  the  over- 
zealous  dealer  should  take  them  with  the  pro- 
verbial grain  of  salt. 

An  old  German  once  stated  to  the  writer  "I  vood 
not  pelief  anydings  you  say,  because  you  are  zelling 
de  goods."  This  rule  should  apply  to  the  customer 
carrying  tales  about  competitive  dealers.  While 
prices  are  fixed  by  the  manufacturers  and  cannot 
be  shaded,  there  is  a  loop  hole  left  for  competition 
in  the  matter  of  giving  terms.  My  answer  to  one 
who  tells  me  another  dealer  has  offered  more  reason- 
able terms  invariably  is,  "I  prefer  to  do  business 
in  my  own  way." 

NEW  LEADS  should  be  suggested  to  the  inactive 
dealer,  in  view  of  the  fact  that  many  get  into  a  rut 
and  do  not  seem  to  be  able  to  extricate  themselves. 
A  new  lead  will  materially  assist  them,  if  followed. 
It  is  a  difficult  matter  to  arouse  the  enthusiasm  of  a 
dealer,  once  he  has  lost  it.  Enthusiasm  is  one  of 
the  assets  and  should  form  a  part  of  the  dealer's 
stock  in  trade.  No  dealer  can  be  successful  without 
it.  It  is  contagious.  The  enthusiastic  dealer  can 
arouse  enthusiasm  in  a  customer  and  there  is  no 
better  record-buyer  than  the  enthusiastic  customer. 
These  leads  should  be  suggested: 


56 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MAY,  1914 


(a)   A  free  trial  where  he  thinks  there  is  a 
possibility  of  a  sale,     (b)  A  concert  wherever 
possible  (especially  in  a  church,  lodge  or  gath- 
ering),     (c)    A    personal    invitation,  to    those 
whom  he  might  interest  by  writing,  "There's 
something  new  in  the  sound-reproducing    line 
by  Mr.  Edison.    I  desire  you  to  hear  it." 
PLAY  THE  PHONOGRAPH  every  time  possi- 
ble, to  every  one  coming  into  the  store,  whether  he 
shows  an  interest  or  not.     Force  the  interest  by 
asking  him  to  listen  to  something  new.     The  cus- 
tomer may  not  buy  but  he  will  talk  and  that's  good 
advertising.      The    dealer    will    naturally    become 
enthusiastic  by  concentration.     As  he  makes  sales 
his  enthusiasm  increases. 

MENTION  THE  HIGHER  PRICED  EDI- 
SONS.  Suggest  to  a  dealer  that  he  mention  to  a 
prospect  the  higher  priced  instruments  even  if  he 
does  not  carry  them  in  stock.  Just  say  "the  Edison 
Phonograph  is  now  selling  as  high  as  $450."  This 
will  elevate  the  instrument  at  once  in  the  mind  of 
the  individual  and  take  it  out  of  the  toy  class. 
Concentration  of  lines  is  another  lead.  Many 
dealers  endeavor  to  carry  too  many  makes.  They 
stay  on  the  fence.  When  their  customers  ask  his 
opinion  as  to  the  different  advantages  of  one  make 
over  another,  the  answers  are  unsatisfactory  and 
the  customer  goes  to  another  dealer — to  one  who 
has  concentrated  upon  a  certain  line  and  has  his 
talking  points  at  his  finger  tips. 

The  dealer  will  find  it  more  to  his  advantage  to 
carry  a  complete  line  of  one  make — the  Edison — 
instead  of  trying  to  carry  an  incomplete  line  of 
several  makes. 

Demonstration  booths  have  become  a  necessity 
to  the  Edison  dealer  and  every  dealer  should  be 
urged  to  build  one  or  more. 

Finally,  I  would  affirm  that  the  jobber's  success 
is  founded  on  the  dealer's  success.  The  dealer 
should  always  bear  in  mind  that  all  suggestions  are 
made  especially  for  his  especial  good. 


EDISON  INTERESTS  IN  TEXAS 

J.  N.  SWANSON,  President  of  the  Houston 
Phonograph  Company,  has  achieved  a 
remarkable  success  in  the  talking-machine 
trade  within  a  very  brief  period. 

Mr.  Swanson  is  an  aggressive  man  and  he  believes 
in  doing  business  along  up-to-date  lines.  He  has 
been  a  large  distributor  of  Edison  disc  and  cylinder 
phonographs  through  his  companies,  the  Houston 
Phonograph  Company  and  the  Texas-Oklahoma 
Phonograph  Company,  Fort  Worth. 

Mr.  Swanson  says:  "I  have  always  figured 
to  give  my  people  prompt  service.  We  make  a 
specialty  of  filling  orders  and  getting  them  on  the 
way  to  our  dealers  with  as  little  loss  of  time  as 
possible.      I    think    that    promptness    in    business 


counts  very  materially  and  I  am  more  than  satis- 
fied with  the  way  in  which  our  business  has  devel- 
oped in  the  southwest  because  of  it. 

"I  may  add  that  I  do  not  feel  that  we  have 
reached  the  limit,  however,  and  the  possibilities  for 
the  talking-machine  business  in  Texas  are  extremely 
large.  Not  only  is  the  country  rich  but  it  has  a 
marvelous  future.       . 

THE     OUTLOOK     IN     ENGLAND; 

EDISON    INTERESTS    ACTIVE 

THERE 

AFTER  an  extended  trip  in  Europe  covering 
a  period  of  seven  months,  Mr.  Walter 
Stevens,  Manager  of  our  Foreign  Department, 
recently  returned  to  Orange.  His  itinerary  made 
it  possible  for  him  to  visit  London,  Berlin,  Paris 
and  other  European  cities,  although  the  major  por- 
tion of  his  time  was  spent  in  London  looking  after 
the  varied  interests  of  the  Edison  Companies. 

Prior  to  Mr.  Stevens  leaving  the  States,  the 
officials  of  our  Company  decided  to  transfer  their 
entire  European  phonograph  business  to  Orange, 
leaving  the  London,  Berlin  and  Paris  offices  free 
to  devote  their  entire  time  and  attention  to  the 
further  development  of  the  film  business,  which 
has  assumed  very  large  proportions  in  England 
and  continental  Europe.  In  London  a  large  six- 
story  building  is  being  erected  in  the  central  part 
of  the  city  for  our  London  Company.  The  first 
floor  is  to  be  used  as  a  picture  theatre  for  trade 
exhibitions  of  moving  pictures.  The  second  and 
third  floors  for  executive  and  other  offices,  and 
the  upper  floors  for  laboratory  work  and  recording. 

The  advent  of  the  Blue  Amberol  Record  in 
Europe  has  greatly  stimulated  the  cylinder  record 
business  and  the  trade  is  now  anxiously  looking 
forward  to  the  time  when  they  can  get  a  "look  in" 
at  the  disc  product,  unusual  interest  already  having 
been  manifested  although  no  shipments  have  as 
yet  been  made  to  the  trade  in  that  territory.  Much 
has  been  said  in  the  various  European  talking  ma- 
chine periodicals  in  reference  to  Mr.  Edison's  new 
Disc  Machines  and  Records,  as  a  consequence  of 
which  all  eyes  are  expectantly  turned  toward  the 
man  who  has  contributed  in  such  a  large  way  to 
bring  the  several  types  of  talking  machines  up  to  the 
brings  the  several  types  of  talking  machines  up  to 
their  present  high  level.  The  European  trade  is 
simply  flooded  with  cheap  talking  machines,  par- 
ticularly the  disc  type,  and  as  a  result,  large  quan- 
tities of  disc  records  are  being  sold  at  very  low 
prices.  Naturally  the  profits  accruing  from  the 
sale  of  these  cheap  records  have  been  small  compared 
to  the  profits  received  on  the  high  priced  records 
and  this  is  causing  some  dissatisfaction  among  the 
trade.  There  is  undoubtedly  a  great  future  in 
Europe  for  the  high-priced  machines  and  records, 
and  Mr.  Stevens  was  assured  that  the  Edison  Disc 
machines  and  records  would  prove  very  acceptable. 

In  reference  to  the  sale  of  records  abroad,  Mr. 
Stevens  reports  a  continued  demand  for  rag-time 
selections,  although  dances  of  the  Tango  variety 
are  increasing  in  demand,  England  particularly 
manifesting  an  unusual  interest  in  that  form  of 
dance  music. 

Mr.  Stevens  speaks  in  the  highest  terms  of  the 
reception  accorded  him  during  his  stay  abroad  and 
only  regrets  that  on  account  of  the  limited  time  at 
his  disposal,  he  was  unable  to  visit  the  entire  trade. 


OF  SPECIAL  INTEREST  TO 
EDISON  DIAMOND  DISC  JOBBERS  AND  DEALERS 


OUR  PIANO-HOUSE 
DISC  REPRESENTATION 


EVERY  day  the  Edison  disc  is  win- 
ning new  laurels  in  most  exclusive 
musical  circles.  Perhaps  thisis(no- 
where  more  manifest  than  in  the  very 
cordial  reception  given  our  representa- 
tives by  leading  piano  houses  through- 
out the  country.  We  have  already 
listed  over  250  of  these  upon  our  sales 
force  and  are  constantly  adding  to  their 
number.  Hardman,  Peck  &  Company 
(New  York  and  Brooklyn),  Krakauer 
Brothers  (New  York),  Cluett  and  Sons 
(Albany,  Troy,  Schnectady  and  Syra- 
cuse), Walter  J.  Bates  (Boston),  Cun- 
ningham Piano  Company  (Philadelphia), 
The  Thiebes  Company  (St.  Louis),  The 
Woodmansee  Piano  Company  (Cincin- 
nati), Lennox  Piano  Co.  (Indianapolis), 
The  Southern  Music  Company  (Los 
Angeles),  Eiler's  Music  House  (San 
Francisco  and  Portland),  and  a  host  of 
others  are  indicative  of  the  high-grade 
representation  being  secured  throughout 
the  country. 

These  houses  have  recognized  the 
superior  musical  qualities  of  the  Edison 
disc  and  have  accorded  it  an  honored 
place  alongside  of  their  finest  pianos 
and  recommended  it  to  their  most 
exclusive  clientele. 

It  can  hardly  be  said  that  the  Edison 
disc,  and  a  high-grade  piano  are  rivals 
for  the  same  patronage.  The  piano  has 
become  a  recognized  necessity  in  all 
well-appointed  drawing-rooms.  Even 
though  its  possessors  cannot  play  a  note 
upon  it,  the  instrument  itself  is  part  of 
the  furnishing.  Its  possession  is  an 
indication- of  refinement  that  few  families 
would  care  to  do  without. 

There  is  awaiting  the  Edison  disc  a 
similar  place  of  honor  in  these  very 
drawing-rooms.  Instrumental  music 
may  be  obtained  from  a  piano-player, 
but  good   vocal   music   is   the   exclusive 


prerogative  of  the  Edison  disc  machine. 
Then,  again,  in  instrumental  music  even 
with  a  fine  piano-player,  one  is  limited 
to  piano  selections,  while  the  Edison 
disc  not  only  plays  the  piano,  the  harp, 
the  banjo  (and  in  fact  a  whole  orchestra) 
but  it  brings  its  piano,  harp,  violin,  and 
vocal  talent  along  with  it. 

If  any  informal  entertaining  is  to  be 
done  at  all,  the  repertoire  of  the  Edison 
disc  is  growing  as  extensive,  and  will 
always  be  far  more  versatile  than  that 
of  any  piano-player.  This  feature  in 
time  will  surely  win  for  it  a  place  in  these 
most  exclusive  homes. 

We  believe  piano-salesmen  realize  this 
fact  and  are  not  hesitating  to  urge  the 
Edison  disc  upon  the  consideration  of 
that  part  of  their  clientele  which  is 
already  supplied  with  a  good  piano  or 
piano-player.  Perhaps  there  are  some 
exclusive  families  who  would  not  care 
to  have  a  piano-player  at  all;  and  there 
certainly  are  many  who  would  not  have 
one  unless  it  could  be  the  very  highest 
grade. 

The  desire,  however,  for  vocal  music  in 
these  exclusive  homes  is  very  keen,  and 
while  they  cannot  tolerate  "talking- 
machine  music"  they  are  gladly  open- 
hearted  to  vocal  music  as  sweet  and 
natural  as  that  produced  by  the  Edison 
disc.  This — the  vocal  advantage  of  the 
Edison  disc — is,  doubtless,  one  of  the 
piano  salesman's  strongest  cards  when 
presenting  it. 

Some  of  these  piano  houses  have  gone 
to  considerable  trouble  and  expense  in 
fitting  up  Edison  booths  and  Edison 
recital  parlors  and  these  have  been  the 
means  of  impressing  most  favorably 
their  exclusive  piano  clientele.  Such  a 
high-tone  disc  representation  only  con- 
firms the  wisdom  of  thus  specializing  on 
this  "newest  of  musical  instruments." 


57 


58 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MAY,  1914 


There  has  also  sprung  up  among  this 
piano-house  representation,  a  new  source 
of  profitable  trade — the  sale  of  Edison 
discs.  Heretofore,  once  a  customer  had 
been  satisfied  with  a  high-grade  piano, 
and  had  been  given  a  certain*  amount 
of  attention  immediately  after  placing 
the  instrument  in  his  home,  there  was 
apt  to  grow  up  a  lapse  of  interest  in 
that  customer  as  time  passed  by.  Now, 
however,  the  Edison  disc  records  keep 
the  customer  in  constant  touch  with 
the  piano  house  because  new  records 
are  coming  out  and  new  music  is  con- 
stantly being  recorded. 

The  piano  field  for  the  Edison  disc 
is  practically  unlimited.  It  takes  in  the 
well-to-do,  exclusive,  metropolitan  home; 
it  takes  in  the  professional  music-loving 
fraternity,  being  especially  grateful  to  the 
teacher  of  piano-forte  or  violin  because 
it  shows  to  music  pupils  the  technique 
of  the  best  artists  in  a  most  charming 
and  faultless  manner. 

The  University  of  Wisconsin  has  re- 
cently undertaken  "to  bring  music  to 
the  people."  It  has  arranged  to  send 
vocalists,  instrumentalists,  and  teachers 
of  music  out  into  rural,  districts  to 
enthuse  and  educate  the  people  along 
music-loving  lines.  What  a  field  for  the 
Edison  disc — the  instrument  that  brings 
its  talent  and  plays  and  sings  the  best 
the  world  of  music  has  to  offer! 

Mr.  Edison's  purpose  to  make  each 
disc  record  so  perfect  that  it  can  be 
used  as  a  conservatory  model  certainly 
gives  the  ambitious  piano  salesman  a 
field  as  extensive  among  music-lovers 
and  music-makers  as  his  heart  could 
wish. 

We  bespeak  for  our  piano-house  repre- 
sentatives unbounded  success  and  satis- 
faction in  handling  the  Edison  disc. 
There  is  one  thing,  perhaps,  a  piano 
salesman  considers  a  sine  qua  non  and 
that  is  "high-class  goods  with  high-class 
representation."  In  every  detail  the 
Edison  disc  is  and  will  be  high  class — 
in  its  cabinet,  in  its  finish,  in  its  mechan- 
ism, in  its  artistic  mellow,  human-like 
tone  and  in  its  repertoire.  All  the 
literature  needed  to  exploit  the  Edison 
disc  will  also  bear  the  same  high-tone 
character,  so  that  we  shall  "act  well  our 
part;"  it's  up  to  the  piano  salesman, 
now,  to  give  the  proposition  a  high-class 
representation. 


OVERHEARD    IN    DEMONSTRAT- 
ING THE  EDISON  DISC 

THERE  is  a  certain  commendable  pride  in 
making  others  happy  and  there  is  a  certain 
pardonable  curiosity  in  observing  how  happy 
we  have  made  them.  How  it  does  our  hearts  good 
on  Christmas  morning,  for  instance,  just  to  peek 
through  the  door  and  see  the  unalloyed  happiness 
written  on  the  faces  of  those  whom  our  gifts  have 
delighted! 

The  Edison  disc  has  awakened  in  every  music- 
loving  heart  a  genuine  surprise  and  delight.  It  is 
so-  different!  It  is  so  acceptable!  Nowhere  are 
expressions  of  pleasure  more  freely  given  than  where 
the  Edison  disc  for  the  first  time  greets  the  cultured 
ear. 

It  has  been  the  pleasure  of  some  of  our  demon- 
strators to  overhear  a  few  of  these  remarks.  Think- 
ing they  might  be  of  help  to  dealers  who  are  con- 
stantly endeavoring  to  present  the  claims  of  the 
disc  in  a  new  way,  we  give  some  of  them  here: 

At  Redding  Ridge,  Conn.,  the  Rector  of  the 
Episcopal  Church,  Rev.  Mr.  Booth,  remarked 
"It  is  a  rich  treat  to  hear  music  so  beautifully  and 
artistically  rendered." 

One  of  the  ladies  at  a  sociable  held  in  the  Con- 
gregational Church,  Middlefield,  Conn.,  came  for- 
ward after  a  recital,  and  asked  the  demonstrator 
(with  a  merry  twinkle  in  her  eye)  if  he  would  not 
remove  the  grille  in  the  Edison  machine,  so  she 
could  shake  hands  with  the  singers.  At  another 
recital  held  in  Yatesville,  Conn.,  after  listening 
attentively  to  several  selections  on  the  disc,  as 
given  by  a  formal  recital,  the  entire  audience, 
(at  the  suggestion  of  one  man),  arose  en  masse  to 
vote  that  they  would  stay  and  hear  all  the  demon- 
strator would  play  no  matter  how  late  it  detained 
them.  Even  then,  after  a  "double  bill,"  they  didn't 
get  enough. 

At  a  Royal  Arcanum  recital  in  Meriden,  Conn., 
the  manager  of  the  entertainment  was  enthusiastic 
over  the  Edison  Disc  and  affirmed  that  our  disc 
rendition  of  "Good  Bye,  Rose"  was  as  fine  as 
anything  John  McCormack  had  ever  sung  in  person. 
"The  quality  of  the  tone  seems  to  me  absolutely 
human"  he  remarked. 

Most  people  are  amazed  at  the  length  of  the 
selections  recorded  on  our  ten-inch  discs. 

At  St.  Aloysius  Association  in  Middletown,  Conn., 
one  delightful  listener  remarked,  "/  expected  to  see 
that  darkey's  foot  come  through  the  front  of  the  ma- 
chine when  he  was  playing  the  banjo  so  well  and 
singing  so  spiritedly." 

Any  number  of  short  expressions  of  delight  were 
made.    Perhaps  the  most  common  are:  "You've  got 

the  beat  a  mile."     "The  others  are  not  in  it 

for  a  minute."  "That's  real  music  at  last."  "The 
finest  I  have  ever  heard." 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MAY,  1914 


59 


The  surprise  in  every  instance  is  so  genuine  that 
everyone  begins  at  once  to  talk  Edison  disc  to 
their  friends  and  thus  the  interest  becomes  wide- 
spread. For  this  reason  every  demonstration, 
no  matter  where  it  is  given,  is  sowing  the  good 
seed  and  a  harvest  of  sales  will  result  sooner  or 
later. 


AN  EDISON  AGAINST  AN  EDISON 

PRODUCES  A  LAUGH;  THEN 

AN  APPLAUSE 

UP  in  Woodstock,  Vermont,  the  other  day  a 
novel  experiment  was  given  at  the  Gem 
Theatre — an  Edison  Standard  Phonograph 
(with  a  two-minute  record)  was  played  during  an 
Edison  Disc  recital,  the  object  being  to  demonstrate 
the  marvelous  advance  made  in  the  disc — not  a 
bad  idea  by  any  means. 

Of  course,  after  the  rich,  smooth  tones  of  the 
Diamond  Disc,  the  result  of  playing  a  Standard 
two-minute  record,  was  ridiculous  and  the  audience 
"laughed  right  out  in  meeting."  The  old  two- 
minute  machine  was  the  pet  of  a  six-year  old  boy, 
whose  father  loaned  it  for  the  purpose.  The  boy 
was  present,  and  was  very  angry  when  the  audience 
laughed  at  "his  phonograph."  He  remarked  to 
his  father  afterward:  "If  they  didn't  want  to  listen 
to  my  phonograph  why  didn't  they  go  home?" 

The  Standard  two-minute  machine  was  in  fine 
condition  and  played  the  best  it  was  capable  of 
playing;  but  oh,  my,  what  a  difference  when  the 
Disc  had  set  the  standard  of  tone  and  quality! 

The  incident  is  not  without  its  corollary.  Demon- 
strate Disc  superiority  by  actual  comparison  with 
other  disc  machines.  Play  the  Edison  disc  first; 
set  the  standard;  then  play  whatever  you  like  in 
other  discs. 


THE  EDISON  DISC  JOBBERS' 
ASSOCIATION 

In  the  April  issue  of  the  Monthly  we  gave  an 
account  of  the  formation  of  this  organization  in 
New  York  City  with  H.  H.  Blish,  Des  Moines, 
Iowa,  President;  C.  B.  Haynes,  Richmond,  Va., 
Vice  President;  H.  G.  Stanton,  Toronto,  Secretary; 
and  F.  H.  Silliman,  Boston,  Treasurer.  Laurence 
H.  Lucker,  Minneapolis;  C.  E.  Goodwin,  Chicago, 
and  B.  W.  Smith,  Cleveland,  are  on  the  Advisory 
Committee.  The  Committee  are  now  busy  com- 
pleting the  articles  of  incorporation.  It  is  their 
purpose  as  soon  as  these  necessary  preliminaries  are 
over  to  start  an  active  campaign  to  have  every 
Edison  Disc  jobber  join  the  association.  A  com- 
plimentary dinner  was  tendered  to  Mr.  Dolbeer 
April  20th.  We  shall  be  pleased  to  note  in  the 
Monthly  the  progress  of  the  Association  from 
time  to  time. 


CHARLES     DAAB     AND     ANTON 

WEISS    LISTENING    TO    THEIR 

OWN  INSTRUMENTAL  PIECES 

WHILE  in  Des  Moines,  Iowa,    recently  with 
"The  Ben  Hur  Troupe,"  two  of  our  Edison 
artists  heard  upon  the  Edison  Disc  (A-425) 
their  own  selections   and    were  delighted   beyond 
measure. 

Charles  Daab  has  trilled  and  rolled  himself  into 
everlasting  favor  with  Edison  enthusiasts  as  the 
difficulties  of  the  xylophone  melt  into  nothingness 
beneath  his  skillful  touch.  It  is  not  surprising 
that  he  is  so  talented  a  musician  in  view  of  the  fact 
that  almost  every  member  of  his  family  plays  some 
musical  instrument — and  plays  it  well.  The  xylo- 
phone is  a  very  ancient  instrument  which  in  its 
early  stages  of  development  gave  forth  sounds 
probably  not  calculated  to  charm  the  ear  of  the 
fastidious  twentieth-century  music  lover. 

Anton  Weiss  is  also  an  accomplished  instrumen- 
talist. He  has  played  the  flugelhorn  before  many 
of  the  crowned  heads  of  Europe.  Franz  Joseph  of 
Austria,  King  Albert  of  Saxonia,  the  Duke  of  York, 
the  Czar  of  Russia  (and  many  others)  have  been 
great  admirers  of  his  skill. 

We  are  indebted  to  Messrs.  Harger  &  Blish  for 
the  photograph. 

Disc  Records  by  Mr.  Daab 
50051   Fairest  Rose  Waltz  (Engelmann);  L.  Elegante 

Polka  (Damare) 
50070  Mocking    Bird— Fantasia     {Winner-Strobbe) 
William  Tell — Fantasia  {Rossini) 
Disc  Records  by  Mr.  Weiss 
50104  O,  Promise  Me  (de  Koven) 


60 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MAY,  1914 


Hardman,  Peck  &  Co.,  New  York 


Edison  Diamond  Disc  Retailers 


Exterior  and  Interior  of  Their  New  Building,  433  Fifth  Avenue 

1.  Edison  Disc  Reception  Room.  2.  One  of  the  Edison  Sound-Proof  Booths.  3.  Where  the 
Edison  Disc  Records  are  Kept  and  Delivered.  4.  Exterior  View.  5.  Entrance  Floor — Approach  to 
the  Edison  Disc  Department. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MAY,  1914 


61 


HARDMAN,  PECK  &  CO.'S  SUC- 
CESS   WITH    THE    EDISON    DISC 

LOCATED  in  the  very  heart  of  the  most  exclu- 
sive retail  shopping  district  of  New  York,  in 
a  new  building  of  their  own,  with  all  the 
prestige  of  a  great  reputation  among  a  high-grade 
piano  clientele,  it  was  to  be  expected  that  Messrs. 
Hardman,  Peck  &  Co.,  when  they  decided  to  handle 
the  Edison  Disc,  would  meet  with  success. 

It  is  with  much  gratification  both  to  themselves 
and  to  us  that  in  so  brief  a  period  as  five  months 
they  have  far  exceeded  their  fondest  expectations. 
They  took  up  this  work  .November  24th,  1913, 
and  were  soon  fairly  swamped  with  Christmas 
business.  The  construction  of  special  Edison  quar- 
ters was  promptly  decided  upon  and  as  promptly 
executed,  so  that  now  the  "Edison  Disc  Depart- 
ment" of  their  luxurious  piano  warehouse  has 
become  not  only  a  very  popular  place  with  their 
patrons — judging  by  the  throng  always  there — 
but  a  very  profitable  branch  of  their  business. 

The  decision  to  handle  the  Edison  disc  was  not 
hastily  arrived  at  by  Messrs.  Hardman  Peck  &  Co. 
The  proposition  to' take  on  any  talking  machine 
was  looked  at  from  every  conceivable  angle,  for  it 
was  felt  that  Hardman  prestige  should  not  be 
coupled  with  any  instrument  that  could  not  meet 
the  high  standards  of  musical  excellence  to  which 
their  clientele  had  been  so  long  accustomed.  It  was 
but  natural,  therefore,  that  if  any  instrument  in  the 
phonograph  line  was  to  be  handled  by  them  it 
must  possess  decided  merit  both  in  tone  and  artistic 
qualities.  The  various  "talking  machines"  were 
heard  and  passed  upon;  but  when  the  Edison  disc 
was  heard  there  remained  no  longer  any  doubt 
as  to  the  advisability  of  adding  it  to  their  piano 
line.  "Here"  the  committee  in  charge  reported — 
"Here  is  a  real  musical  instrument  of  superior, 
natural  tone."  The  decision  was  unanimous,  and, 
be  it  said,  enthusiastic. 

The  house  of  Hardman,  Peck  &  Co.  was  founded 
in  1842,  and  have  ever  since  held  a  most  enviable 
reputation  among  high-grade  piano  manufacturers. 
The  Hardman  Piano  is  today  the  official  piano  of 
the  Metropolitan  Opera  House.  About  a  year  and 
a  half  ago  the  firm  located  at  433  Fifth  Avenue 
in  their  own  sumptuous  building,  erected  espe- 
cially to  meet  the  needs  of  a  growing  high-class 
patronage.  The  building  itself,  as  can  readily  be 
seen  from  the  accompanying  illustrations,  is,  both 
in  its  exterior  and  interior  construction,  worthy 
to  rank  among  the  finest  examples  of  architecture 
for  which  this  section  of  Fifth  Avenue  is  justly 
noted.  Every  facility  to  promote  their  patrons 
needs  has*  been  provided  for  with  a  sumptuousness 
and  a  forethought  that  leaves  nothing  to-be  desired. 
In  the  newly  equipped  Edison  Disc  Department 
the  same  infinite  care  for  details  has  been  carried 


out,  and  to  make  a  purchase  under  delightful  cir- 
cumstances, one  has  but  to  consider  himself  the 
guest  of  a  House  whose  reputation  for  high  and 
honorable  dealing  is  only  equaled  by  its  skill  and 
courtesy  in  salesmanship. 


PROFESSOR  JEPSON  DELIGHTED 
WITH  THE  DISC 

PROFESSOR  B.  JEPSON,  for  many  years 
Supervisor  of  Music  in  the  Public  Schools  of 
New  Haven,  Conn.,  (and  now  Supervisor 
Emeritus),  recently  attended  a  luncheon  at  Hotel 
Taft,  that  city,  given  by  the  Chamber  of  Commerce. 
At  the  conclusion  of  the  repast  the  Edison  Diamond 
Disc  did  the  entertaining.  The  Professor,  who  had 
never  heard  the  Edison  Disc,  thus  expresses  his 
surprise  and  delight: — 

"I  must  confess  I  was  never  more  taken  back  in 
my  life.  A  beautiful  soprano  voice  launched  into  a 
solo.  I  was  not  surprised  at  that,  but  very  much 
surprised  as  I  looked  around  the  room  in  vain  for 
the  soloist.  I  supposed  of  course  that  I  would  find 
the  lady  in  the  center  of  a  group  of  men  gathered 
in  the  rear  of  the  room.  I  was  greatly  astonished 
to  find  that  the  beautiful  voice  emanated  from  a 
phonograph.  To  sum  it  all  up  I  must  say  that 
Edison's  new  Diamond  Disc  is  the  'last  word'  in  the 
rendition  of  vocal  or  instrumental  music." 

Professor  Jepson's  opinion  in  musical  matters 
is  regarded  with  the  highest  respect.  For  over  fifty 
years  he  has  directed  the  musical  functions  and  des- 
tinies of  the  New  Haven  Schools. 


PEOPLE  WANT  THE  BEST!  NOT 
THE  CHEAPEST! 

OUR  success  in  the  Edison  line  since  we  took  on 
the  disc  has  been  far  in  advance  of  all  anticipa- 
tions. We  have  sold  more  Edison  discs  in  the 
past  four  weeks  than  we  sold  in  the  last  four  months 
of  another  make.  The  fact  that  there  are  no  cheap 
styles  of  the  Edison  disc  is,  an  advantage,  not  a  dis- 
advantage at  all;  people  want  the  best  regardless  of 
price. — Santa  Fe  Watch  Company,  Topeka,  Kansas. 


TO  CLEAN  DISC  RECORDS 

TO  clean  an  Edison  Disc  record  make  a  suds 
of  luke-warm  water  with  Ivory  or  Pears'  soap 
and  wash  the  record  thoroughly  as  you  would 
a  dish.  Wipe  the  record  dry  with  a  cloth  that  has 
been  wrung  from  clear  water,  in  order  to  remove  all 
traces  of  the  suds;  then  dry  thoroughly,  but  not  by 
intense  heat — preferably  in  a  draft  of  air.  This 
treatment  will  remove  finger  prints  and  all  other 
dirt,  which  causes  loud  surface,  etc.  Do  not  use  oil; 
oil  gathers  dirt  which  causes  loud  surface  and  it  is 
impossible  to  remove  the  grit  which  it  forms. 


62 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MAY,  1914 


A  BISHOP'S  CHOICE  FOR 
A  BISHOP 

AVERY    happy,  significant    incident   occurred 
recently  in  Iowa.     Bishop  Morrison  of  the 

Protestant  Episcopal  Diocese  of  Iowa,  was 
to  be  felicitated  on  the  fifteenth  anniversary  of  his 
consecration  as  Bishop.  A  committee  of  clergymen 
was  appointed  to  select  a  suitable  gift,  headed  by  a 
Bishop.  It  was  to  be,  to  all  intents,  a  "Bishop's 
choice  for  a  Bishop." 

AN  EDISON  DISC  PHONOGRAPH 
WAS  THE  ULTIMATE  CHOICE 
This  circumstance  in  itself  would  not  necessarily 
have  been  remarkable,  for  both  Bishops  were 
music  lovers  and  well  posted  in  things  musical. 
But  the  way  the  entire  committee  went  about  it, 
was  quite  remarkable.  They  tested  out  about 
every  form  of  sound-reproducing  instrument  under 
the  most  favorable  circumstances.  Their  investi- 
gations assumed  the  importance  and  thoroughness 
of  "A  Senate  investigation."  On  the  committee 
were  those  who  had  decided  predilections — some 
in  favor  of  other  discs;  some  decidedly  against  all 
forms  of  sound  reproducing  instruments;  and  yet 
the  enthusiastically  unanimous  choice  was  an 

EDISON  DIAMOND  DISC  PHONOGRAPH 

The  committee  consisted  of:  The  Rt.  Rev.  Henry 
Longley,  D.  D.,  Suffragan-Bishop  of  Iowa,  Rev. 
E.  R.  Grant,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Des  Moines,  and  Rev.  Charles  Schutt,  D.  D.,  Rector 
of  St.  Luke's  Church,  Des  Moines. 

After  a  vote  was  taken  the  members  of  the  com- 
mittee freely  expressed  themselves: — 


BISHOP  LONGLEY  said:  "It  is  simp- 
ly MARVELOUS;  there  is  absolutely  no 

comparison  between  and  the 

Edison." 

REV.  MR.  GRANT  enthusiastically 
remarked:  "Just  listen  to  the  technique 
displayed  in  that  'cello  record!  You  know 
I  never  had  any  use  for  'talking  machines'; 
but  I  am  simply  SURPRISED  to  find  any- 
thing so  wonderful  as  this  Edison." 

REV.     MR.     SCHUTT     exclaimed:— 
"Simply  grand;  simply  GRAND!    That's 
all  I  can  say  about  it!  Mere  words  beggar 
any  description  of  it!" 
Do  not  forget  that  other  instruments  were  tested 
out,  and  that  these  are  the  words  of  men  fully 
posted. 

BISHOP  MORRISON  was  delighted  beyond 
measure  with  the  gift. 

(The  transaction  came  about  in  the  regular 
course  of  business  and  the  full  retail  price  was  paid. 
These  words  of  praise  were  entirely  spontaneous.) 


ANOTHER  BISHOP'S  EXPERIENCE 
YEARS  AGO 

Bishop  Hurst  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
years  ago  when  told  that  Edison's  first  (tinfoil) 
phonograph  was  an  instrument  thatwould"talk  back 
after  being  talked  to"  characterized  the  announce- 
ment as  a  fake.  The  good  Bishop  was  so  sure  that 
he  had  a  real  fake  on  his  hook  that  he  lost  no  time 
nor  opportunity  to  tell  any  and  every  one  what  he 
thought  about  it.  He  became  so  warm  over  the 
matter  (evidently  warmed  up  by  assurances  from 
those  who  knew  the  "fake"  personally),  that  he 
declared  "Well,  I  won't  believe  a  word  of  it  till 
I  hear  my  own  voice  from  it.  Then  he  took  a  day 
off,  and  like  a  good  hunter,  "took  his  gun  along." 
His  reception  by  Mr.  Edison  at  Menlow  Park  was 
very  cordial.  The  Bishop  viewed  the  machine 
from  every  side  to  see  where  the  fake  was  hiding; 
then  he  shouted  into  it.  With  a  broad  smile  Mr. 
Edison  turned  the  cylinder  back,  when,  low  the 
Bishop  was  shouting  at  himself  "//  you're  a  fake 
I  want  to  know  it."  They  both  stood  there  and 
laughed  heartily  over  it.  The  Bishop  went  out  with 
a  broad  smile  that  never  left  him  for  days  after. 


PLANNING  NOW  TO  ERECT  A  MONUMENT 
TO  MR.  EDISON 
A  movement  was  launched  at  Sandusky  last 
week  to  collect  funds  for  the  building  of  a  monu- 
ment to  Thomas  A.  Edison,  the  memorial  to  be 
constructed  at  Milan,  O.,  his  birthplace.  It  is 
planned  to  dedicate  the  monument  on  Mr.  Edison's 
seventieth  birthday  which  will  occur  February 
11th,  1917. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MAY,  1914 


63 


THE  DISC  A  FAVORITE  IN 
LODGE  ROOMS 

THE  Edison  Disc  has  already  been  placed  in 
several  Lodges  and  is  giving  great  satisfaction. 
One  of  the  most  recent  to  acquire  it  is  the 
Mississippi  Lodge  385  A.  F.  and  A.  M.  of  Savanna 
111.  We  are  enabled  to  show  the  disc  in  their  Lodge 
room  near  the  master's  chair  through  the  courtesy 
of  the  members  and  the  untiring  efforts  of  our  re- 
presentative who  placed  the  order,  R.  M.  Garrett, 
Savanna,  111.  Beside  being  a  source  of  entertain- 
ment to  the  various  members,  it  is  used  in  their 
Lodge  ceremonies  and  will  be  more  generally  so 
used  when  special  Masonic  records  are  available. 
The  Secretary  De  Witt  C.  Smith  writes  us: 

"Since  we  have  placed  the  Edison  Disc  in 
our  Temple  it  has  been  used  very  generously  by 
members  as  a  means  of  entertainment  and  the 
unanimous  verdict  is  that  it  is  the  right  machine 
in   the   right   place.       Particular    mention    is 
frequently  made  by  those  who  hear  it  that  this 
is  the  Last  Word  in  perfect  tone  Reproduction." 
Dealers  will  do  well  to  follow  Mr.  Garrett's  ex- 
ample and   go  after  the  Lodges   in  their  vicinity. 
Here  is  a  field  well  worth  cultivating.  It  ought  not 
to  be  a  difficult  matter  to  place  an  Edison  on  trial 
at  any  lodge-rooms.      Once  there  it   is   bound  to 
create  a  favorable  impression  and  awaken  a  desire  to 
have  it  as  a  permanent  feature  of  the  organization. 
Look  up  your  jocal  fraternal  societies   and  try  to 
interest  them  in  having  a  recital  at  no  expense. 
Nothing  better  could  be  suggested  and  it  is  a  com- 
paratively easy  thing  to  place  a  disc  where  it  has 
been  once  heard. 


DIAMOND  DISC  DANCE 
RECORDS 

Turkey  Trots 

Black  and  White  Rag 50016 

Reverse:  My  Persian  Rose  Medley,  Two-step 

Horse  Trot 50095 

Reverse:  In  Cairo,  Oriental  Patrol 

Hungarian  Rag 50123 

Reverse:  La  Catrera,  Tango 

Two-Steps 

My  Little  Persian  Rose  Medley 50116 

Reverse:  Black  and  White  Rag,  Turkey  Trot 

Fidelity  Two-Step 50078 

Reverse:  Orpheus  Overture 

Hurricane  Two-Step \  cmQ1 

Officer  of  the  Day  Two-Step /  iUUM 

Reverse:  Tango  Land,  Tango 

Montrose  Two-Step 50075 

Reverse:  Les  Sirenes,  Waltz 
SCHOTTISCHES 

Dancing  in  the  Barn 50077 

Reverse:  Wiener  Bon-Bons  Waltz 

It  Blew!  Blew!  Blew! 

Reverse:  Lustspiel  Overture 

Waltzes 

Wiener  Bon-Bons  Waltz 50077 

Reverse:  Dancing  in  the  Barn,  Schottische 

Gold  and  Silver  Waltz 50074 

Reverse:  Glory  of  the  Yankee  Navy,  March 

Les  Sirenes  Waltz 50075 

Reverse:   Montrose  Two-step 

Tangoes 

La  Catrera 50123 

Reverse:  Hungarian  Rag,  Turkey  Trot 

Tango  Land 50081 

Reverse:    Hurricane  Two-Step  and   Officer  of  the  Day, 
Two-step 

La  Bella  Argentina 50079 

Reverse:  La  Rumba 

La  Rumba 50079 

Reverse:  La  Bella  Argentina 


64 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MAY,  1913 


EXPLANATORY   TALK    DESCRIP- 
TIVE   OF    SINGLE    FACE    DISC 
RECORD  No.  83013 

A  feature,  original  with  the  Edison  disc,  is  an 
"appreciation"  recorded  on  the  back  of  single 
faced  records,  when  placed  upon  the  machine  a 
clear,  pleasing  voice  gives  an  intimate  but  delightful 
introduction  to  the  music  recorded  on  the  reverse 
side.    Here  is  such  a  talk  on  Disc  Record  83013: — 

La  Donna  e  Mobile  (Woman  is  Fickle) — Rigoletto 
By  Alessandro  Bond 

It  is  said  that  the  musical  score  of  "Rigoletto" 
was  written  by  Verdi  during  a  period  of  forty  days. 
It  was  first  brought  out  in  Venice,  at  La  Venice 
Theatre,  on  March  11th,  1851,  and  was  a  most 
brilliant  success.  Its  story  is  bloodthirsty,  like 
many  of  Verdi's  other  librettoes,  but  is  none  the 
less  interesting. 

Gilda  is  the  daughter  of  Rigoletto,  hunchback  jester 
to  the  court  of  the  licentious  Duke  of  Mantua. 
Rigoletto  is  extremely  watchful  of  his  own  daughter, 
although  always  willing  to  aid  the  Duke  in  his 
love  affairs  with  the  daughters  of  others.  The 
Duke  finally  meets  Gilda  and  in  the  guise  of  a 
young  student,  makes  her  fall  in  love  with  him. 
She  is  finally  abducted  from  her  home  at  the 
Duke's  instigation  and  carried  to  the  Palace. 
The  father's  rage  is  horrible  to  witness.  He  rushes 
to  the  Palace,  but  too  late  to  save  his  daughter's 
honour.  Still  loving  the  Duke,  Gilda  pleads  for 
his  life,  but  Rigoletto  swears  to  kill  him.  Sparafucile, 
an  innkeeper  friend  of  Rigoletto,  agrees  to  lure  the 
Duke  to  his  inn  by  means  of  Sparafucile's  attractive 
sister,  Maddalena.  The  Duke  goes  to  the  Inn,  and 
here,  standing  in  the  gardtn  he  sings  the  melody, 
"La  Donne  e  Mobile"  (Woman  is  Fickle),  given  on 
this  record.  He  then  meets  Maddalena,  and  makes 
love  to  her.  Rigoletto  and  Gilda,  the  latter  in  male 
attire,  listen  outside  the  wall.  According  to  the 
plot,  Sparafucile  is  to  murder  the  Duke,  put  his  body 
in  a  sack  and  deliver  it  to  Rigoletto,  who  is  to  throw 
it  into  the  river.  Maddalena,  however,  is  so  attracted 
by  the  Duke's  wooing,  that  she  pleads  with  her 
brother  not  to  kill  kim.  Sparafucile  agrees,  pro- 
vided he  can  find  someone  else  to  kill  and  deliver 
to  Rigoletto.  Meanwhile  Gilda,  still  in  love  with 
the  Duke,  eludes  her  father  and  goes  to  the  Inn. 
Sparafucile  kills  her,  and  gives  her  body  in  the  sack 
to  Rigoletto.  He  is  about  to  cast  it  into  the  river, 
when  he  hears  the  Duke's  voice.  The  wretched 
man  opens  the  sack,  sees  his  daughter  just  dying, 
and  falls  senseless. 

This  aria,  "La  donna  e  mobile,"  made  an  instan- 
taneous hit  at  the  opera's  first  performance  and 
was  long  hummed,  sung,  and  played  to  death  every- 
where. To  make  quite  sure  that  the  public  should 
not  hear  this  catchy  melody  before  the  night  of 
the   performance,   Verdi  did   not   put   it  on   paper 


until  within  a  few  hours  of  the  time  when  Mirate, 
the  tenor,  had  to  sing  it.  Soon  all  Venice  was  mad 
over  it,  and,  at  the  time  it  was  the  most  frequently 
heard  melody  in  the  whole  realm  of  opera. 

It  is  doubtful  if  a  more  illustrious  rendition  of 
"La  donna  q  mobile"  has  ever  been  given,  than 
this  one  by  Signor  Bonci.  He  is  the  greatest  living 
exponent  of  the  bel  canto,~a.nd  the  aria  itself  is  a 
perfect  type  of  that  style.  Bonci's  position  as 
one  of  the  world's  greatest  tenors  has  never  been 
questioned,  but  in  the  lyric  tenor  roles  of  Verdi's 
earlier  operas,  such  as  "Rigoletto"  and  "II  Trova- 
tore,"  he  is  absolutely  supreme. 


THE     FABLE    OF    THE     DEALER 

WHO  FORGOT  WHAT  HE  WAS 

SELLING 

THERE  was  once  a  phonograph  dealer  whose 
mentality  was  cluttered  up  with  arguments. 
He  was  muscle-bound  in  the  mind. 

Whenever  a  customer  came  in  to  be  shown,  Mr. 
Dealer  turned  on  the  conversation.  He  called 
special  attention  to  the  fine  old  Circassian  walnut 
in  the  cabinet  and  laid  stress  on  the  graceful  lines. 

Then  he  would  open  up  the  phonograph  as  if 
he  were  going  to  take  it  apart.  He  would  call  over 
the  customer  and  hold  a  clinic,  going  into  every 
phase  of  its  anatomy. 

Every  time  the  customer  started  to  say  something 
he  would  interrupt  with,  "Just  a  minute,  please," 
and  then  he  would  be  off  on  another  discourse; 
this  time  a  technical  rhapsody  about  motors. 

Following  which  came  several  speeches  from 
Mr.  Dealer  on  the  subject  of  acoustics.  Overtones 
and  timbres  were  all  mixed  up  in  the  customer's 
mind  and  he  was  looking  for  a  chance  to  break 
away  and  come  up  for  air. 

Suddenly  Mr.  Dealer  was  called  away  to  answer 
a  phone  call.  The  customer  beckoned  to  an  assist- 
ant. 

"Do  you  know  how  to  work  this  phonograph?" 
said  he. 

The  assistant  allowed  he  did. 

"Then  make  it  play  something,"  urged  the  cus- 
tomer. 

Mr.  Dealer  was  gone  quite  a  while  and  he  didn't 
see  the  smile  of  appreciation  that  broke  over  the 
customer's  features.  When  he  finally  came  back 
he  found  that  the  assistant  had  made  a  sale  and 
had  the  money  in  the  cash  drawer.  Also,  he  found 
a  note  left  by  the  customer.     It  read: 

"I  came  here  to  get  a  musical  instrument,  not 
a  cross  between  a  mechanical  toy  and  a  piece  of 
furniture.  Your  assistant  helped  me  to  find  what 
I  wanted." 

Moral: — Hearing  is  Believing. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MAY,  1914 


65 


Mr.  Dolbeer  Resigns  as  Sales  Manager  of 
Edison  Phonographs 


IT  is  with  feelings  of  personal  loss  that  we 
chronicle  the  resignation  of  our  former  sales- 
manager,  Mr.  Frank  K.  Dolbeer,  to  accept  the 
Vice  Presidency  and  General  Managership  of  a 
new  concern  soon  to  open  its  doors  at  473  Fifth 
Avenue,  New  York,  under  the  name  of  "The 
Phonograph  Corporation  of  Manhattan." 

That  Mr.  Dolbeer  carries  with  him  the  personal 
esteem  and  good  wishes  of  every  member  of  the 
Edison  organization  goes  without  saying.  Every- 
body was  his  friend — from  the  office  boy  up — and 
he  in  turn  was  a  friend  of  everybody.  "A  man 
without  an  enemy — a  big  man  with  a  big  man's 
heart  in  a  sizeable  frame — that's  Frank  K.  Dolbeer." 

A  complimentary  dinner  was  tendered  to  Mr. 
Dolbeer  on  Saturday  evening  April  4th  at  the 
Hotel  Washington,  Newark,  N.  J.,  by  about  forty 
of  the  officials  and  close  business  associates  of  the 
Edison  organization.  It  was  an  entirely  Edison 
"family  affair"  gotten  up  in  most  attractive  manner. 
A  very  handsome  souvenir  program  containing  a 
fine  sepia  portrait  of  Mr.  Dolbeer,  besides  a  full 
page  of  comic  thumb  "photo-play"  sketches,  depict- 
ing incidents  in  his  life  from  the  time  the  doctor 


announced  "It  is  a  boy,"  until  his  present  change  of 
occupation,  accompanied  by  a  facetious  text,  was 
a  feature  of  the  occasion.  There  were  several 
speakers  and  much  merriment.  A  beautiful  watch 
was  presented  to  him.  In  making  the  presentation 
Mr.  C.  H.  Wilson,  our  Vice  President  and  General 
Manager,  spoke  as  follows: — 

"Gentlemen  and  Fellow-workers  of  Mr.  Thomas 
A.  Edison: 

"I  wish  I  felt  more  in  the  humor  of  making  a  few 
remarks  to-night,  and  there  are  perhaps  three  rea- 
sons why  I  don't. 

"1st.     I  never  could  make  an  extempore  speech. 

"2d.  I  feel  that  anything  I  may  say  would  not 
be  appropriate  for  the  occasion,  nor  do  justice  to  the 
cause. 

"3d.  And,  most  important,  I  know  that  because 
of  Mr.  Dolbeer's  leaving  us,  I  personally,  and  I 
think  I  may  safely  say,  each  and  every  one  of  us, 
feel  we  are,  to  some  extent  at  least  losing,  in  a 
-personal  way,  one  of  the  best,  most  loyal,  honest, 
upright  and  lovable  friends  it  is  possible  for  man 
to  have. 

"However,  it  might  be  worse,  as  he  is  still  going 


66 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MAY,  1914 


INITIATING  MR.  DOLBEER  AS  AN  EDISON  JOBBER 


to  be  one  of  the  Edison  family  and  will  not  be  so 
far  removed  but  that  in  cases  of  emergency  or 
distress  he  can  be  gotten  in  touch  with  on  short 
notice   and  F.  K.  has  stood  for  many  touches. 

"It  seems  to  me  this  is  one  of  those  occasions 
of  mingled  regret  and  pleasure.  Regret  because  we 
are  losing  a  man  whose  services  have  been  so  valu- 
able— pleasure  because  we  are  here  to  offer  a  testi- 
monial of  the  esteem  in  which  we  hold  him. 

"It  is  now  nearly  fifteen  years  since  Mr.  Dolbeer 
first  entered  the  Edison  organization  (July  '99), 
since  which  time  I  have  worked  with  him  shoulder 
to  shoulder — under  successful  and  adverse  condi- 
tions and  circumstances — and  never  to  my  recol- 
lection have  we  had  one  single  argument  or  un- 
pleasant word  that  has  in  any  way  changed  the  friend- 
ly personal  and  business  relations  which  sprang  upas 
soon  as  he  came  with  us.  During  these  fifteen 
years,  as  many  of  you  know,  he  has  served  in  but 
two  capacities — first  as  Credit  Manager,  and,  for 
the  past  six  years,  as  Sales  Manager  of  the  Phono- 
graph Department.  That  he  has  been  steadfast 
in  his  devotion  to  the  best  interests  of  the  business 
you  all  well  know.  He  has  been  unsparing  of  his 
time  and  energy,  and  many  times  at  a  sacrifice  of 
his  health. 

"To  say  he  has  merited  and  obtained  the  confi- 
dence, respect  and  affection  of  those  who  have  been 
associated  with  him  is  unnecessary. 

"During  my  fifteen  years'  intimate  acquaintance 
with  Mr.  Dolbeer  I  have  learned  to  value  his  many 


good  qualities.  He  is  "tf  good  fellow'"  in  the  largest 
sense  of  the  word,  and,  because  he  is  a  good  fellow, 
perhaps  he  doesn't  want  me  to  talk  about  it.  I 
am  not  going  to  embarrass  him  by  telling  all  the 
good  things  we  think  about  him.  I'm  simply  going 
to  say  that  in  his  new  work  I  predict  for  him  the 
large  success  his  abilities  deserve,  and  I  am  sure 
we  all  feel  he  will  win  out. 

"We  have  come  here  to-night  to  say  good-bye 
to  F.  K.  as  a  member  of  the  Edison  organization, 
but  not  good-bye  as  a  friend. 

"It  is  a  hard  thing  for  a  group  of  men  to  fittingly 
express  their  esteem  or  affection  for  another  man. 
The  most  eloquent  oral  tribute  passes  from  the 
recollection  of  its  hearers.  A  written  appreciation 
grows  yellow  and  dim  with  age. 

"There  is  no  physical  manifestation  by  which  we 
can  hope  to  adequately  express  the  esteem  in  which 
we  hold  Francis  K.  Dolbeer,  but  we  nevertheless 
ask  him  to  accept  from  us  as  a  token  of  our  love 
and  friendship,  and  I  wish,  in  behalf  of  the  gentle- 
men here  to-night,  to  present  to  you,  Mr.  Dolbeer, 
the  article  within  this  case.  May  it  never  mark 
off  any  unhappy  or  unprosperous  hours  in  your 
life." 

Mr.  Wilson's  remarks  so  fittingly  reflected  the 
feelings  of  all  present  toward  Mr.  Dolbeer  that  it 
was  resolved  by  unanimous  vote  to  have  them 
printed  and  signed  by  those  present. 

From  the  souvenir  program  we  learn  that  Mr. 
Dolbeer  was   born   at   "Greenwich   Village"     (now 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MAY,  1914 


67 


a  part  of  New  York  City),  December  17th,  1864. 
He  is  therefore  right  in  his  prime,  and,  in  under- 
taking the  new  venture,  will  have  the  additional 
advantage  of  fine  health,  much  valuable  experience 
and  a  large-hearted  way  of  doing  things  and  meet- 
ing people  that  cannot  but  spell  success  for  him. 
As  the  souvenir  program  says: 

"Well,   he'll  organize   it   all   right   in   his   own 

usual,  competent,  masterly,  Big  League  way; 

and  it  will  be  a  fitting  climax  to  his  successful 

career  in  the  phonograph  business.     Long  ;ife, 

much   success   and   more   happiness   to   him." 

"Here's  to  you  Frank  Dolbeer, 

Here's  to  you  our  jovial  friend! 

And  we'll  drink  the  toast  before  we  leave  the 

company, 
We'll  drink  before  we  part; 
Here's  to  you  Frank  Dolbeer." 


Mr.  Dolbeer  was  also  tendered  a  testimonial 
dinner  at  the  Knickerbocker  Hotel,  New  York  City, 
on  the  evening  of  April  20th,  by  the  Edison  Disc 
Jobbers'  Association.  The  affair  was  confined 
strictly  to  members  of  the  Association  (or  to  any 
firms  that  were  eligible  for  membership  in  the  same). 
The  only  invited  guest  was  the  guest  of  honor,  Mr. 
Dolbeer. 

After  partaking  of  a  bounteous  dinner,  beautifully 
served,  a  jolly  evening  was  indulged  in.  The  busi- 
ness part  of  the  program  created  much  merriment. 
The  attempt  to  elect  Mr.  Dolbeer  a  member  of 
the  Association  resulted  in  the  stuffing  of  the  ballot- 
box  with  white  balls  and  black  balls  in  such  a  manner 
that  the  result  was  declared  illegal.  Mr.  Dolbeer 
was  saved  from  the  seeming  embarrassment  by  a 
rising  vote  in  which  he  was  declared  unanimously 
elected.  Mr.  Walter  Kipp  then  produced  a  toy 
goat,  about  18  inches  high,  with  a  peculiarly  strong 
"nanny  goat"  accent,  as  his  head  was  moved  from 
side  to  side.  Mr.  Dolbeer  was  requested  to  "ride 
the  goat"  as  part  of  his  initiation.  A  loving  cup 
was  then  presented,  and  the  design  was  unique. 
It  was  a  tin  affair  with  three  handles  roughly  sol- 
dered on  but  served  the  purpose  just  as  well,  and 
all  drank  to  their  guest's  health. 

Mr.  Stanton  then  announced  that  Mr.  Dolbeer 
was  entitled  to  all  inside  factory  information  and 
was  shown  a  new  Amberola  "about  3  inches  high." 

Mr.  Silver,  the  monologue-impersonator,  beside 
a  pianist,  contributed  to  the  entertainment. 

The  climax  of  the  occasion,  however,  was  the 
presentation  of  a  very  handsome  chest  of  silver. 
It  was  a  complete  set  of  knives,  spoons,  forks,  etc., 
in  various  sizes,  as  well  as  a  variety  of  serving 
pieces.  The  design  was  in  the  "Plymouth"  or 
Colonial  style,  all  being  contained  in  a  solid  mahog- 
any chest  with  name  plate  bearing  the  following 
inscription: 


Presented   to   Frank  K.   Dolbeer 

by  The  Edison  Disc  Jobbers'  Association,   of  the 
United  States  and  Canada,  in  Recognition  of 
their  Affection  and  Esteem, 
April  20th,  1914. 
Mr.  H.  H.   Blish,  President  of  the  Association 
made  the  presentation  speech  to  which  Mr.  Dol- 
beer  responded   in   his   usual   happy   and   effective 
manner.    There  were  a  number  of  others  who  spoke 
in  a  most  delightful,  informal,  and  touching  way  of 
their  long  acquaintance  with  Mr.  Dolbeer. 

The  following  song,  written  for  the  occasion  by 
Mr.  Kipp,  was  sung  to  the  tune  "I  Have  Rings  on 
My  Fingers": 

"Here's  to  Mister  Dolbeer,  the  man  we  love  so 
well; 
He's  been  our  friend  right  to  the  end, 

More  than  we  can  tell! 

The  E.  D.  J.  A.  wants  you,  that  goes  for  every 
man." 

Because  we  think  you're  one  big  dam  fine  man — 
fine  man." 

Headed  by  Mr.  Kipp,  drawing  the  toy  goat,  the 
whole  group  marched  up  Broadway  where  the 
balance  of  the  evening  was  enjoyed  at  Churchill's, 
where  Elizabeth  Spencer  favored  them  with  several 
selections. 

Although  the  members  of  this  Association  are 
scattered  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  and  from 
Canada  to  extreme  southern  points,  yet  many  made 
long  journeys  simply  to  do  honor  to  Mr.  Dolbeer, 
for  whom  there  is  the  strongest  kind  of  affection 
throughout  the  trade.  Many  of  those  not  able  to 
attend  paid  their  respects  in  letters  far  from  per- 
functory. 

The  following  were  present:  H.  H.  Blish,  of 
Harger  &  Blish,  Des  Moines  and  Sioux  City;  C.  B. 
Haynes  of  C.  B.  Haynes  &  Co.,  Richmond,  Va.; 
H.  G.  Stanton  of  R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd., 
Toronto;  F.  H.  Silliman  of  Pardee-Ellenberger  Co., 
Boston;  Walter  E.  Kipp  of  Kipp-Link  Phonograph 
Co.,  Indianapolis;  Laurence  H.  Lucker,  of  Minnea- 
polis; L.  N.  Bloom  and  B.  W.  Smith  of  The  Phono- 
graph Co.,  Cleveland;  R.  B.  Cope  of  The  Girard 
Phonograph  Co.,  Philadelphia;  C.  R.  Richards  of 
The  Denver  Dry  Goods  Co.,  Denver;  N.  D.  Griffin 
cf  the  American  Phonograph  Co.,  Albany;  A.  W. 
Toennies,  Jr.,  of  The  Eclipse  Phonograph  Co., 
Hoboken,  N.  J.;  F.  E.  Bolway,  Sr.  and  Jr.,  of 
Syracuse,  N.  Y.;  Albert  Buehn  of  The  Buehn 
Phonograph  Co.,  Pittsburg;  H.  L.  Ellenberger  and 
W.  O.  Pardee  of  Pardee-Ellenberger  Co.,  New 
Haven. 

The  committee  who  had  charge  of  arrangements 
were  W.  O.  Pardee,  L.  N.  Bloom,  X.  D.  Griffin 
and  C.  B.  Haynes. 


68 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MAY,  1914 


HOMER  RODEHEAVER 

Tenor 


KITTY  BERGER 

Harp-Zither 


ELIAS  BREESKIN 

Violin 


SPLENDID,  NEW  EDISON  TALENT  ON 


HOMER  RODEHEAVER  was  born  in  Ohio, 
but  when  a  very  small  boy  his  father  moved 
to  East  Tennessee,  where  he  was  engaged 
in  the  lumber  business.  Mr.  Rodeheaver  has  spent 
a  greater  part  of  his  life  among  the  people  of  the 
south-land.  He  worked  in  the  mines  and  in  the 
saw-mill  camps  of  the  southern  mountains,  and 
finally  became  head  sawyer  and  later  manager  of 
some  of  the  big  saw-mills  of  the  South. 

Early  in  life  he  began  to  play  in  the  local  bands, 
and  became  quite  a  proficient  performeronthe  differ- 
ent band  instruments,  especially  on  the  trombone. 
During  the  Spanish-American  War  he  served  with 
the  Fourth  Tennessee  regiment  in  the  South  and  in 
Cuba.  As  a  boy  he  had  a  contralto  voice,  and  when 
his  voice  changed,  it  developed  into  a  splendid 
robust  baritone. 

He  was  for  four  years  in  the  Ohio  Wesleyan  Univer- 
sity at  Delaware,  Ohio,  where  he  worked  his  way 
through,  paying  part  of  his  expenses  with  his  play- 
ing and  singing.  He  has  studied  considerably  in 
the  East,  and  had  been  urged  by  some  of  his  teachers 
to  take  up  an  operatic  career.  About  ten  years  ago 
Mr.  Rodeheaver  felt  the  call  to  evangelistic  work, 
but  refused  to  enter  the  work  at  that  time  as  he 
wanted  to  finish  his  college  course  and  go  to  law 
school.  However,  these  plans  were  spoiled,  for 
he  accepted  what  he  thought  would  be  a  brief 
engagement  as  a  musical  director  with  Dr.  W.  E. 
Biederwolf.  He  stayed  with  Dr.  Biederwolf  for 
five  years  and  then  accepted  the  same  position 
with  Rev.  W.  A.  Sunday.  He  has  been  with  Mr. 
Sunday  for  four  years. 

In  his  work  with  Mr.  Sunday  he  has  charge  of 
the  music  in  all  of  the  meetings,  and  directs  the 
largest  choruses  in  the  whole  country.    They  num- 


ber from  twelve  hundred  to  two  thousand  in  the 
different  cities.  He  possibly  sings  to  more  people 
night  after  night  than  any  other  man  in  the  whole 
world  today.  Mr.  Sunday's  Tabernacles  seat  from 
ten  to  fifteen  thousand  people,  and  they  are  filled 
nearly  every  night  in  the  week. 

Mr.  Rodeheaver  is  considered  by  many  people 
to  be  the  very  best  musical  director  in  this  kind  of 
work  today,  and  also  to  be  one  of  the  very  best 
interpreters  and  singers  of  Gospel  songs.  The  six 
July  records  by  him  listed,  will  be  found  most 
enjoyable,  not  only  because  he  sings  them  well, 
but  also  because  they  are  all  fine  specimens  of 
modern  Revival  Hymns.  In  addition  to  his  trom- 
bone playing  and  singing,  he  has  achieved  quite 
a  reputation  as  a  reader;  especially  the  presentation 
of  some  of  our  Southern  dialect  poems. 


ELIAS  BREESKIN,  the  violinist,  coming  from 
a  musical  family,  first  showed  genius  at  the 
age  of  four,  singing  songs  at  that  time  which 
were  difficult  for  an  accomplished  singer  to  execute. 
A  professor  of  music  heard  him  and  predicted  a  great 
future,  but  stated  that  Breeskin  was  not  to  start 
any  studying  until  he  was  seven  years  old.  When  he 
reached  that  age  he  started  studying  on  the  violin 
with  his  brother,  and  at  the  age  of  nine  entered 
the  Imperial  Conservatory  at  Ekaterinoslav.  At 
eleven  having  already  studied  the  violin  for  some 
years  he  made  a  tour  of  Austria  and  was  considered 
there  a  wonderful  prodigy.  He  then  came  to  Amer- 
ica in  1907  and  went  to  Washington,  D.  C,  where 
some  wealthy  people,  hearing  him  play,  were  very 
enthusiastic  over  his  playing  and  arranged  a  series 
of  concerts  for  him  to  provide  an  educational  fund. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MAY,  1914 


69 


IRVING  KAUFMAN 
Tenor 


EUGENE  EMMETT 

Tenor 


EMORY  B.  RANDOLPH 

Tenor 


BLUE  AMBEROL  RECORDS    JULY  LIST 


While  playing  one  night  at  a  concert  in  Baltimore, 
Franz  Kneisel  one  of  the  world's  greatest  masters, 
heard  him  play  and  offered  to  teach  him,  previously 
to  sending  him  abroad.  Breeskin  then  entered 
the  Damrosch  Institute  from  which  he  graduated. 
Although  very  young  he  has  attained  reputation 
which  classes  him  among  the  foremost  violinists  of 
to-day.  He  has  attained  wonderful  technique 
which  he  employs  in  embodying  his  equally  musical 
temperament. 


KITTY  BERGER,  the  celebrated  harp-zither 
player  of  England,  has  won  her  way  to  the 
heart  of  music-loving  people  by  her  wonderful 
skill  and  rare  technique.  During  President  Roose- 
velt's incumbency  she  was  more  than  once  the 
attraction  at  White  House  festivities  and  has  also 
figured  in  diplomatic  functions  at  the  National 
Capitol.  Ex-President  Roosevelt  expressed  great 
pleasure  not  only  in  her  skillful  handling  of  the  harp- 
zither,  but  was  especially  proud  to  own  her  as  an 
accomplished  American  citizen. 

The  harp-zither  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and 
complete  stringed  instruments,  particularly  adapted 
for  the  refined  home.  It  is  also  one  of  the  oldest  musi- 
cal instruments  known,  its  origin  being  traceable  far 
back  to  the  times  of  the  Roman  Empire.  Mme. 
Berger  has  given  it  infinite  study  and  the  instru- 
ment she  uses  is  a  highly  developed  one,  quite  unlike 
thatusedin  primitive  times.   Themusicisa  rich  treat. 


IRVING  KAUFMAN,  born  in  Syracuse,  N.  Y., 
comes  from  a  very  musical  family,  being  the 
brother  of  the  famous  "Kaufman  Bros.'1  known  in 
vaudeville  throughout  the  United  States  and  Europe. 
He  possesses  a  beautiful,  rich  tenor  voice  which  has 
received  much  careful  training  under  Professor 
Samoiloff  of  Carnegie  Hall,  New  York.  His  first  stage 
appearance  was  at  the  tender  age  of  seven,  when 


with  the  "Jennie  Eddie  Trio"  he  appeared  in  vaude- 
ville. He  has  been  the  leading  soloist  with  Merrick's 
Band  for  the  past  two  seasons,  has  been  an  attrac- 
tive member  of  the  Forepaugh  &  Sells  Bros,  circus. 
He  makes  his  debut  before  Edison  audiences  with 
one  of  the  most  popular  selections,  "I  Love  the 
Ladies"  (Record  2328). 


EUGENE  EMMETT,  Irish  tenor,  was  born 
December  14th,  1880,  at  Suncook,  New  Hamp- 
shire. He  received  his  early  musical  education 
in  St.  Joseph's  Roman  Catholic  Church  of  Fall  River, 
Mass.,  and  started  his  professional  and  theatrical 
career  under  the  famous  Ed.  Harrigan.  Toured 
the  country  with  the  Irish  production  "The  Ivy 
Leaf,"  "Sweet  Molly  O,"  "Wicklow  Lass,"  and 
others.  Toured  for  three  consecutive  seasons  as  the 
Choir  boy  in  "The  Angelus."  He  is  now  en  route 
on  the  Sullivan-Considine  circuit,  at  the  conclu- 
sion of  which  he  will  appear  in  a  big  Irish  production 
under  the  management  of  Charles  E.  Blaney. 


EMORY  B.  RANDOLPH,  made  his  debut  in 
the  December,  1913,  list.  He  now  favors  us 
with  another  fine  tenor  solo,  "A  Farewell" 
(Record  2341)  in  which  he  is  accompanied  with 
a  chorus.  He  also  sings  a  duet  with  Helen  Clark 
in  "On  the  Banks  of  Lovelight  Bay"  (Record  2332) 
In  both  of  these  his  fine  tenor  voice  is  heard  to 
advantage.  He  is  one  of  the  finest  church  and  ora- 
torio singers  and  has,  for  the  past  ten  years,  been 
identified  with  the  best  known  artists  in  concert, 
oratorio  and  church  work.  His  success  at  every 
appearance  is  assured,  because  of  the  unusually 
beautiful  quality  of  his  voice,  and  the  sound  musi- 
cianship which  he  brings  to  his  work. 

Mr.  Randolph's  voice  is  eminently  suitable  for 
recording  purposes.  It  is  rich,  warm  and  powerful, 
and  possesses  that  even,  steadiness  of  tone,  so 
desirable. 


70 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MAY,  1914 


DEALERS'  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED 


A  NICELY  finished  Edison  Phonograph  Cabi- 
net is  not  only  "a  thing  of  beauty  and  a  joy 
forever"  but  an  object  that  is  entitled  to 
and  should  certainly  receive  considerable  fore- 
thought if  it  is  to  remain  in  its  finest  condition. 
Most  every  one  is  careful  about  knocks  and  scratches 
and  few  cabinets  are  carelessly  ignored  in  that  way. 
But  there  is  a  woeful  want  of  forethought  about  the 
conditions  of  heat  and  cold,  dryness  and  moisture 
which  a  cabinet  will  stand.  Pretty  much  all  the 
average  lay  mind  seems  to  have  learned  is  that 
"water  will  spot  the  varnish."  If  one  could  also 
just  bear  in  mind  that  all  varnish  is  more  or  less 
inelastic,  while  all  wood  is  elastic,  they  would 
realize  the  importance  of  keeping  their  Edison 
Cabinets  in  a  part  of  the  drawing-room  where 
extremes  of  heat  cannot  readily  get  in  their  destruc- 
tive work. 

The  following  series  of  questions  and  answers 
cover  a  few  points  touching  the  proper  care  of  a 
cabinet.  Jobbers  and  dealers  will  do  well  to  post 
their  patrons  accordingly. 

1.  Can  a  phonograph  cabinet  be  guaranteed  not  to 

"check?" 

All  our  cabinets  receive  expert  inspection  before 
leaving  the  factory,  and,  as  far  as  it  is  humanly 
possible,  even*  one  in  any  way  defective  is  with- 
held from  shipment.^  But  no  manufacturer,  not 
even  the  most  reputable  piano  and  furniture  house, 
can  guarantee  against  "checking"  for  the  simple 
reason  that  they  cannot  control  conditions  after 
the  product  leaves  the  factories.  We  cannot 
either. 

2.  What  do  you  mean  by  "conditions  after  leaving 

the  factory?" 

We  mean  extremes  of  heat  and  cold,  moisture 
and  dryness.  The  very  best  varnish  made  and  used 
on:"  the  highest  grade  of  pianos  and  furniture  as 
well  as  on  Edison  phonograph  cabinets,  will  "check" 
in  sudden  changes  of  heat  and  cold  and  moisture 
and  dryness.  It  makes  no  difference  how  care- 
fully and  expertly  the  varnish  is  applied,  the 
"check"  is  inevitable  if  the  conditions  above  indi- 
cated are  extreme.  If,  for  instance,  a  phonograph 
cabinet  is  placed  near  a  window  or  stove  it  will 
"check;"  so  will  a  piano  or  other  highly  finished 
piece  of  furniture. 

3.  What  are  the  best  precautions  against  checking  ? 
The  best  precautions  are  to  have  the  instrument 

in  a  room  where  the  temperature  is  kept  as  far  as 
practical  at  an  even  degree,  away  from  windows, 
steam  or  hot-water  radiators.  It  is  just  as  essential 
in  summer  time  to  protect  a  cabinet  from  dampness 
coming  in  a  window  or  door  as  it  is  to  protect  it 
from  a  steam  radiator  in  winter.  Find  a  part  of  the 
room,  if  possible,  sheltered  from  sudden  changes 
of  heat,  cold  or  moisture. 


4.  Are  all  cabinets  equally  susceptible  to  this  injury? 

No,  the  surface  of  the  semi-gloss  and  dull-finish 
cabinets  is  more  durable  than  the  glossy  or  "piano" 
finish. 

5.  Are  any  climates  in  particular  especially  hard  on 

phonograph  cabinets? 

Yes,  the  moist  hot  climate  of  the  South  and  the 
super-dry  climate  of  certain  sections  of  the  West 
and  Southwest  during  the  summertime.  Excessive 
dampness  or  dryness  will  certainly  affect  all  cabinet 
work  and  cabinet  finish. 

6.  Besides    "checking"  what  other  injury  is  liable 

to  happen  to  a  cabinet  not  properly  protected 
from  extremes  of  heat  and  moisture? 

The  humid  air  of  summer  swells  the  wood  and 
felt  parts,  such  as  the  turn-table  felts,  and  softens 
glued  joints.  The  dry  air  of  a  steam  heated  house 
in  winter  (if  the  cabinet  stands  too  close  to  a  radia- 
tor) is  liable  to  shrink  these  parts,  split  the  panels, 
loosen  the  joints  and  otherwise  get  the  woodwork 
into  bad  shape.  The  sudden  change  in  these  con- 
ditions is  what  works  havoc. 


M 


ANY  persons  who  operate  an  Edison  Cylin- 
der phonograph  seem  to  think  that  any  way 
at  all  will  do  to  take  off  a  Blue  Amberol 


Record. 

What  is  the  proper  way  to  remove  a  Blue  Amberol 
Record  ? 

The  proper  way  to  remove  a  Blue  Amberol 
Record  from  the  mandrel  is  to  take  hold  of  it  by 
stretching  the  fingers  from  end  to  end  over  it  and 
then  gently  drawing  it  off  without  any  twisting 
motion.  Care  should  be  taken  to  see  that  the 
Diamond  Point  in  the  reproducer  is  raised  off  the 
record  before  beginning  to  remove  it.  By  stretching 
the  hand  from  thumb  to  third  finger  you  can  grasp 
the  Blue  Amberol  Record  sufficiently  firm  enough 
to  remove  it  literally,  or  in  a  straight  line,  parallel 
with  the  cylinder. 

When  a  Blue  Amberol  Record  sticks  so  tight 
that  it  will  not  readily  give  to  the  above-described 
action  of  the  hand,  do  not  try  to  twist  it.  Instead, 
let  it  get  the  warmth  of  the  palm  of  your  hand  for 
a  few  seconds  and  then  try  again.  In  most  in- 
stances one  such  application  of  warmth  will  suffi- 
ciently expand  the  Blue  Amberol  Record  substance 
to  permit  of  easy  removal.  If  not,  give  it  a  little 
longer  application  of  the  warmth  of  your  hand. 

The  reasons  why  a  Blue  Amberol  Record  sticks 
too  tight  on  the  mandrel  are  one  of  these:  (1) 
forced  on  too  tight  when  first  placed  on  cylinder; 
(2)  a  difference  in  temperature.  If  the  room  has 
grown  colder  since  the  Blue  Amberol  was  put  on, 
it  will  cling  tighter  than  ever — so  tight  as  to  be 
irremovable  until  warmth  is  applied. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  MAY,  1914 


71 


BLUE  AMBEROLS  FOR  JULY 

THIS  July  list  will  be  ready  June  25th,  just  in  time  to  enable  you  to  supply  your 
customers  before  they  go  on  their  summer  vacations.  Urge  them  meanwhile  to 
take  along  their  Edison  Phonograph  (if  portable  model).  Arrange  to  ship  it  for  them. 
You  can  secure  a  good  order  for  July  Records  if  you  will  push  this  feature  of  summer 
use  of  the  phonograph. 

REGULAR  LIST 

50  cents  each  in  the  United  States;  65  cents  each  in  Canada 


2325 


2326 


2327 


2328 


2329 


2330 


Fourth  of  July  Patrol 

New  York  Military  Band 
With  chorus 
Fourth  of  July  at  Punkin  Center  {Stewart) 

Cal  Stewart 
Talking 

Favorite  Airs  from  Ernani  {Giuseppe  Verdi) 

Edison  Light  Opera  Co. 
Orchestra  accompaniment 

I  Love  the  Ladies  {Jean  Schwartz) 

Irving  Kaufman 
Tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment 

Gippsland  March  {Alex.  F.  Lithgow) 

New  York  Militarv  Band 


Love's  Hesitation — The  Beauty  Shop 
{Chas.  J.  Gebest) 

Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Vernon  Archibald 
Soprano  and  baritone,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2331  Sing  Rock-a-bve  Babv  to  Me  {Webb  Long) 

Will  Oakland 
Counter-tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2332  On  the  Banks  of  Lovelight  Bay  {W.  R. 
Williams) 

Helen  Clark  and  Emory  B.  Randolph 
C mlralto  and  tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2333  Off  with  the  Old  Love,  on  with  the  New 
(Harry  Carroll)  Walter  Van  Brunt 

Tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2334  Hesitate  Me  Around,  Bill  {Malvin  Franklin) 

Arthur  Collins  and  Byron  G.  Harlan 

Comic  duet,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2335  He's  Working  in  the  Movies  Now 

{Henry  Lodge)  Billy  Murray 

Comic  song,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2336  In  the  Heart  of  the  Citv  that  has  no  Heart 
{Joseph  M.  Daly) 

Irving  Gillette  and  Ada  Jones 
Tenor  and  contralto,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2337  The    Wedding    of    the    Rose — Intermezzo 
{Leon  Jessel)     American  Standard  Orchestra 

2338  Norah  McNamara  {Fiske  O'Hara) 

Eugene  Emmett 
Tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2339  (a)  Traumerei  {Schumann);    (b)  Romance 
{Schumann)  Elias  Breeskin 


Violin 

2340  Sans  Souci — Maxixe  Breslienne  {Arthur  N. 
Green)  National  Promenade  Band 

For  dancing 

2341  A  Farewell  {Samuel  Liddle) 

Emory  B.  Randolph  and  Chorus 
Tenor 

2342  Believe  Me  if  All  Those  Endearing  Young 
Charms  {Thomas  Moore)  Kitty  Berger 

Zither 

2343  Passing    of    Salome — Waltz    Hesitation 
{Archibald  Joyce)  National  Promenade  Band 

For  dancing 

2344  On  the  Shores  of  Italy  {Jack  Glogau) 

Albert  H.  Campbell  and  Irving  Gillette 
Tenors,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2345  Dream    Girl    O'    Mine — Chauncey   Olcott's 
"Shameen  Dhu"  {Cass  Freeborn) 

Reed  Miller 
Tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2346  He'd  Have  to  Get  Under — Get  Out  and 
Get  Under  Medley — Turkey  Trot 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 

2347  Chicken  Reel  (Jos.  M.  Daly) 

Edward  Meeker 
Coon  song,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2348  Pepper  Pot  One-Step  {Harold  Foers) 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 

SIX   REVIVAL   MEETING  HYMNS 

By  Homer  Rodeheaver  (Baritone) 

2349  If  Your  Heart  Keeps  Right  (B.  D.  Ackley) 

Organ  accompaniment 

2350  I  Walk  with  the  King  (B.  D.  Ackley) 

Organ  accompaniment 

2351  Mother's  Pravers  Have  Followed  Me 
{B.  D.  Ackley) 

Organ  accompaniment 

2352  My  Father  Watches  Over  Ms 

(Chas.  M.  Gabriel) 

Organ  accompaniment 

2353  Old  Fashioned  Faith  (B.  D.  Ackley) 

Organ  accompaniment 

2354  Somebody  Cares  (Homer  Rodeheaver) 

Organ  accompaniment 


Jobbers  of 
Edison  Phonographs  and    Records 


DISC  AND  CYLINDER 

CALIFORNIA 
Los  Angeles — Southern  California  Music  Co. 
San  Francisco — Pacific  Phonograph  Co. 

COLORADO 
Denver — Denver  Dry  Goods  Co. 

CONNECTICUT 
New  Haven — Pardee-Ellenberger  Co. 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago — The  Phonograph  Co. 
INDIANA 
Indianapolis — Kipp-Link  Phonograph  Co. 

IOWA 
Des  Moines — Harger  &  Blish. 

MARYLAND 
Baltimore — McKee  Surgical  Instrument  Co. 

MASSACHUSETTS 
Boston — Pardee-Ellenberger  Co. 
MICHIGAN 
Detroit — American  Phonograph  Co. 

MINNESOTA 
Minneapolis — Laurence  H.  Lucker. 

MAINE 
Bangor — Chandler  &  Co. 

MISSOURI 
Kansas  City — Phonograph  Co.  of  Kansas  City 
St.  Louis — Silverstone  Music  Co. 

MONTANA 
Helena — Montana  Phonograph  Co. 

NEBRASKA 
Omaha — Shultz  Bros. 

NEW  JERSEY 
Hoboken — Eclipse  Phonograph  Co. 

NEW  YORK 
Albany — American  Phonograph  Co. 
Syracuse — F.  E.  Bolway. 

New  York — The  Phonograph  Corporation  of  Man- 
hattan. 

OHIO 
Cincinnati — The  Phonograph  Co. 
Cleveland — The  Phonograph  Co. 
Toledo — Hayes  Music  Co. 

OREGON 
Portland — Graves  Music  Co. 

PENNSYLVANIA 
Philadelphia — Girard  Phonograph  Co. 
Pittsburgh — Buehn  Phonograph  Co. 

WlLLIAMSPORT W.  A.  MyERS. 

TENNESSEE 
Memphis — Atwood  Phonograph  Co. 

TEXAS 
Dallas — Southern  Talking  Machine  Co. 
Fort  Worth — Texas-Oklahoma  Phonograph  Co. 
Houston — Houston  Phonograph  Co. 

UTAH 
Ogden — Proudfit  Sporting  Goods  Co. 

VIRGINIA 
Richmond — C.  B.  Haynes  &  Co. 

WASHINGTON 
Seattle — Pacific  PhonographCo.,  N.  W. 
Spokane — Graves  Music  Co. 

WISCONSIN 
Milwaukee — Milwaukee  Phonograph  Co. 

CANADA 
Quebec — C.  Robitaille. 

Montreal — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 
St.  John— W.  H.  Thorne  &  Co.,  Ltd. 
Toronto — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 


Vancouver — Kent  Piano  Co.,  Ltd. 
Winnipeg — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 

Babson  Bros. 
Calgary — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 


CYLINDER  ONLY 

ALABAMA 
Birmingham — Talking  Machine  Co. 
Mobile — W.  H.  Reynalds. 

COLORADO 
Denver — Hext  Music  Co. 

GEORGIA 
Atlanta — Atlanta  Phonograph  Co. 
Waycross — Youmans  Jewelry  Co. 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago — Babson  Bros. 

James  I.  Lyons. 
Peoria — Peoria  Phonograph  Co. 
Putnam-Page  Co.,  Inc. 
Quincy — Quincy  Phonograph  Co. 

IOWA 
Sioux  City — Harger  &  Blish. 

MARYLAND 
Baltimore — E.  F.  Droop  &  Sons  Co. 

MASSACHUSETTS 
Boston — Eastern  Talking  Machine  Co. 

Iver  Johnson  Sporting  Goods  Co. 
Lowell — Thomas  Wardell. 

MINNESOTA 
St.  Paul— W.  J.  Dyer  &  Bro. 
Koehler  &  Hinrichs. 


Kansas  City- 


Manchester- 


MISSOURI 
-Schmelzer  Arms  Co. 
NEW  HAMPSHIRE 
-John  B.  Varick  Co. 


Paterson- 


NEW  JERSEY 
-James  K.  O'Dea. 


NEW  YORK 
Albany — Finch  &  Hahn. 
Buffalo — W.  D.  Andrews. 

Ned,  Clark  &  Neal  Co. 
Elmira — Elmira  Arms  Co. 

New  York  City — Blackman  Talking  Machine  Co. 
J.  F.  Blackman  &  Son. 
I.  Davega,  Jr.,  Inc. 
S.  B.  Davega  Co. 
Greenhut-Siegel-Cooper  Co. 
Rochester — Talking  Machine  Co. 
Syracuse — W.  D.  Andrews  Co. 
Utica — Arthur  F.  Ferriss. 
William  Harrison. 

PENNSYLVANIA 
Philadelphia — Louis  Buehn. 

Penn  Phonograph  Co. 
H.  A.  Weymann  &  Son. 
Scranton — Ackerman  &  Co. 

RHODE  ISLAND 
Providence — J.  A.  Foster  Co. 
J.  Samuels  &  Bro. 

TEXAS 
El  Paso— W.  G.  Walz  Co. 
San  Antonio — H.  C.  Rees  Optical  Co. 

UTAH 
Salt  Lake  City — Consolidated  Music  Co. 

VERMONT 
Burlington — American  Phonograph  Co. 


<&*  EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH 


MONTHLY 


June,  1914 


WALTER  VAN  BRUNT,  TENOR 

Now  under  exclusive  Edison  Contract.     See  page  80. 


jum^vir  :ii  m  tivm  m  m  in  m  r»  m  race 


<©£  EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY 


SOME  ITEMS  OF  INTEREST 


The  Blue  Amberols  are  better  than  ever.     Take 
time  to  listen  critically  to  some  recent  ones! 


"The  tonal  quality  of  the  latest  records  from  the 
factory  has  been  termed  by  our  customers  superb" 
writes  Dana  F.  Parkhurst,  manager  of  the  Edison 
Department  of  the  Tower  Manufacturing  Co., 
New  York. 


The  eighth  annual  convention  of  the  National 
Association  of  Talking  Machine  Jobbers  will  be 
held  at  Atlantic  City,  July  6th,  7th  and  8th. 


The  Loud  Piano  Co.,  which  is  handling  the  Edi- 
son line  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  report  a  prosperous 
spring.    They  are  elated  over  their  Edison  sales. 

All  our  dealers  should  do  well  this  summer.  The 
Blue  Amberol  Records  and  Diamond  Amberolas 
are  great  for  out-door  playing! 


Get  busy  with  your  mailing  list  right  nozv.  Find 
out  who's  going  away  this  summer.  Then  urge  the 
taking  of  the  Edison  Phonograph  with  a  lot  of  new 
records.     Splendid  tip  for  the  alert  dealer! 


Read  the  Edison  literature — the  Supplements, 
the  Phonogram,  the  Monthly.  Make  it  a  practice  to 
do  this  each  month.  You  will  get  many  timely 
hints  besides  a  lot  of  useful  information  about  the 
Edison  product. 


The  Graham  Furniture  Co.,  one  of  the  largest 
and  finest  furniture  houses  in  Southern  California, 
located  at  Anaheim,  has  just  taken  on  the  agency 
for  the  Edison.  Albert  Graham,  who  owns  and  con- 
ducts the  enterprise,  will  take  a  strong  personal 
interest  in  the  new  department. 

So  large  has  the  Boston  business  of  the  Pardee- 
Ellenberger  Co.  become,  that  Manager  Silliman 
was  forced  to  look  about  for  larger  Edison  Quar- 
ters. These  were  found  at  26  Oliver  St.,  not  a  great 
way  from  the  former  location.  The  new  quarters 
comprise  two  floors  of  10,000  square  feet  of  space. 


"Sales  of  machines  during  the  past  few  weeks 
have  been  very  steady"  reports  Mr.  H.  N.  Purdy, 
in  charge  of  the  Edison  Department  of  Hardman 
Peck  &  Co.,  New  York.  "We  have  been  shipping 
many  machines  to  well-known  summer  resorts, 
together  with  substantial  supplies  of  dance  records, 
and  judging  from  all  indications  this  phase  of  our 
business  will  assume  imposing  proportions  during 
June.  Our  clientele  is  still  showing  preference  for 
the  higher  priced  Edisons." 


"Before  I  do  another  thing  I  want  to  congratu- 
late the  Edison  Phonograph  Monthly  on  its  May 
issue.  With  all  due  respect  to  the  many  good  pre- 
vious numbers  that  have  come  through,  I  think 
that  this  one  stands  head  and  shoulders  above  them 
all."—//.  H.  Blish  of  Harger  tf  Blish. 


A  new  phonograph  store,  (which  will  handle  the 
the  Edison  exclusively),  has  been  opened  at  218 
West  Forsyth  St.,  Jacksonville,  Florida,  by  Mr. 
KoiFman,  who  has  had  fifteen  years'  experience  in 
the  phonograph  business,  (the  larger  part  of  this 
time  being  in  the  Recording  Department). 

The  store  is  nicely  fitted  up  and  a  full  stock  of 
records  and  machines  carried  in  stock.  This  is  the 
first  time  the  Edison  machine  and  the  Diamond 
Reproducer  have  been  permanently  represented 
in  Jacksonville. 


Andrew  T.  Webster,  Director  of  the  Philhar- 
monic Chorus,  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  introduced  the 
phonograph  as  an  aid  at  the  rehearsals  of  the  music 
for  the  May  Music  Festival  recently  held  in  Buf- 
falo. Metropolitan  soloists  were  engaged  for  some 
of  the  more  important  work,  such  as  Samson  and 
Delilah.  The  voices  of  th  se  grand  opera  stars 
were  heard  at  all  the  rehearsals  from  specially  pre- 
pared phonograph  records  and  the  hel )  thus  af- 
forded to  the  chorus  was  very  favorably  commented 
upon. 


Many  churches  are  only  waiting  to  be  called  upon 
by  some  Edison  representative.  Trinity  Church, 
New  Haven,  the  largest  and  most  influential  in  the 
Episcopal  denomination  in  that  city,  says  in  its 
Parish  Monthly:  "In  parish  work,  music  has  a  part 
to  play.  Many  an  evening  can  be  passed  pleasantly 
at  the  Parish  House  with  just  music;  but  it  is  not 
always  possible  to  secure  musical  artists  to  come  to 
us  and  give  their  services.  With  an  Edison  we 
could  always  have  at  our  command  the  well-known 
artists  of  the  world,  and  think  what  this  would  mean 
to  many  of  us  who  can  hear  them  in  no  other  way! 
On  two  successive  evenings  in  April,  Mr.  Osgood 
of  the  A.  B.  Clinton  Co.,  this  city,  kindly  brought 
one  of  these  new  machines  and  gave  us  a  great 
treat.  We  could  not  help  feeling  at  the  time  what 
a  help  it  would  be  in  our  work  could  we  own  one. 
Does  anyone  feel  disposed  to  make  the  parish  a  pre- 
sent? One  of  these  Edisons  would  help  much  right 
now  in  the  Cottage  season.  It  would  save  us  taking 
the  piano  to  the  shore  every  year.  Moreover  it 
would  give  the  children  great  pleasure." 


THE    EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH    MONTHLY 

Published  in  the  interest  of 

EDISON  PHONOGRAPHS  AND  RECORDS 
By  THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  Inc. 

ORANGE,  N.  J.,  U.  S.  A. 

THOMAS  A.   EDISON,   LTD.,  25  CLERKENWELL  ROAD,   LONDON.  E.   C. 

THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  LTD.,  364-372  KENT  STREET,  SYDNEY,   N.  S,  W. 

COMPANIA  EDISON  HISPANO-AMERICANA,  VIAMONTE  515,  BUENOS  AIRES. 

EDISON  GESELLSCHAFT,  M.  B.  H.  10  FRIEDRICHSTRASSE,  BERLIN. 

COMPAGNIE  FRANCAISE  THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  59  RUE  DES  PETITES-ECURIES,  PARIS. 


Volume  XII 


JUNE,  1914 


Number  6 


BLUE  AMBEROLS  BETTER  THAN  EVER 


ANY  dealer  who  has  given  a  moment's 
consideration  to  the  matter  will 
realize  that  the  quality  of  the  Blue 
Amberol  of  late  has  shown  a  marked 
advance  in  clearness,  in  tone  and  in  the 
absence  of  imperfections  that  might 
creep  into  its  manufacture.  We  make 
this  statement  not  on  our  own  initiative 
but  as  a  re-echo  of  the  many  kind 
words,  written  and  spoken,  that  have 
come  unsolicited  from  those  who  have 
heard  the  latest  records. 

In  the  first  place  the  Recording  De- 
partment is  doing  most  excellent  work, 
both  in  the  selection  of  voices,  (parti- 
cularly in  chorus  effects),  and  in  the 
instrumentals.  The  Department  has 
shown  unusual  skill  in  every  detail,  and 
a  watchful  carefulness  that  means  so 
much  in  superior  record  production. 
We  might  go  into  particulars  and  cite 
one  record  after  another  of  those  re- 
cently put  out,  to  show  conclusively 
that  record-making  has  reached  a  very 
high  degree  of  perfection  in  this  De- 
partment, owing  to  the  vigilance  and 
artistic  devotion  to  details.  Of  course, 
there  are  some  records  one  individually 
may  not  like.  It  is  not  to  be  presumed 
that  every  record  will  be  a  favorite 
with  any  one  person;  but  however 
much  one  may  differ  in  the  choice  of 
a  song,  or   an    instrumental,    there    can 


be  no  question  that  the  Blue  Amberols 
are  reflecting,  even  more  than  ever  be- 
fore, painstaking  care. 

Then  too,  the  Manufacturing  De- 
Department  has  got  everything  working 
pretty  smoothly  and  expertly.  The 
product  is  of  a  higher  quality  than  ever 
before.  They  are  bringing  out  the  finer 
recording  in  a  way  that  merits  much 
praise. 

Now,  we  have  said  these  things  not 
to  throw  bouquets  at  these  two  De- 
partments, but  because  the  records 
really  show  a  higher  plain  of  manufac- 
ture. There  is  no  lowering  of  the  Blue 
Amberol  quality;  there  is  no  slighting 
the  choice  of  subjects,  the  selection  of 
artists,  or  the  artistic  recording;  there 
is  no  let-up  in  the  manufacturing  stand- 
ard. 

In  fact,  both  Departments  have 
reached  a  degree  of  excellence  that  must 
give  great  satisfaction  to  every  jobber 
and  dealer  who  puts  his  confidence  in 
the  Blue  Amberol.  H;  can  back  up 
that  confidence  by  calling  attention  to 
the  wonderfully  good  quality  of  the 
Blue  Amberol  records. 

If,  as  a  dealer,  you  have  not  thought 
much  about  this  matter,  just  take  some 
of  the  recent  Blue  Amberols  and  play 
them  over  for  yourself.  You  will  be 
surprised  at  their  quality. 


76 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JUNE,  1914 


The  Phonograph  Company 

Cleveland  and  Cincinnati,  Ohio 


EDISON  EXCLUSIVELY" 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JUNE,  1914 


77 


The  Phonograph  Company  Cleveland  and  Cincinnati 


EXTERIOR  AND  INTERIOR  VIEWS 

1.  Cincinnati  Display  Rooms  and  Warehouse, 
418  Main  Street. 

2.  One  of  the  Demonstration  Parlors,  Cleveland 
Office,  1240  Huron  Road. 

3.  Cylinder  Record  Room,  Cleveland. 

4.  Private  Office,  Cleveland. 


78 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JUNE,  1914 


WHO'S  WHO  AMONG  EDISON  JOBBERS 

SIXTH  ARTICLE 


THE  PHONOGRAPH  COMPANY 

Distributors  of  the  Edison  Disc  and  Cylinder  Phonographs 


1240  Huron  Road 
CLEVELAND,  OHIO 


36  Taylor  Arcade 
CLEVELAND,  OHIO 


418  Main  Street 
CINCINNATI,  OHIO 


THE  wonderful  success  that  a  business  can 
achieve  and  the  remarkable  rapidity  with 
which  it  can  grow  when  it  has  the  finest  article 
of  its  kind  to  sell  is  very  well  demonstrated  in  the 
case  of  the  Phonograph  Company  of  Cleveland. 

Just  about  a  year  ago,  on  April  1,  1913,  H.  D. 
Berner,  the  originator  of  the  Company,  purchased 
the  stock  and  good  will  of  the  Edison  Phonograph 
business  from  Laurence  H.  Lucker,  who  was  at  that 
time  the  Cleveland  jobber.  On  the  first  of  August, 
last  year,  the  Phonograph  Company  was  incorpo- 
rated at  Columbus  by  H.  D.  Berner,  L.  N.  Bloom, 
A.  O.  Peterson  and  B.  W.  Smith.  The  Company 
became  the  owner  of  the  business  of  Air.  Berner  and 
shortly  after  incorporation  the  following  officers 
were  elected:  President,  H.  D.  Berner;  Vice-Presi- 
dent, A.  O.  Peterson;  Secretary,  L.  N.  Bloom; 
Treasurer,  B.  W.  Smith. 

The  Company  maintains  two  warehouses,  one 
in  Cleveland  and  one  in  Cincinnati,  this  latter  being 
in  charge  of  Vice-President  Peterson,  assisted  by 
J.  Sims  and  P.  Bassett.  The  retail  force  at  Cleve- 
land is  in  charge  of  Secretary  L.  N.  Bloom,  assisted 
by  the  following  selling  force:  H.  Moore,  H.  Ball, 
E.  Rainey,  B.  Miklish,  E.  Hershberger.  A  branch 
office  and  demonstrating  room  is  also  maintained 
by  the  Company  in  the  Taylor  Arcade,  the  center 
of  Cleveland's  retail  business  district,  in  charge  of 
R.  A.  Alpers,  assisted  by  G.  Johnson.  M.  G. 
Kreusch  and  John  P.  Eich  travel  out  of  Cleveland. 

The  Company  also  has  an  active,  aggressive  and 
thoroughly  up-to-date  Advertising  Department  in 
charge  of  Francis  R.  Morison,  and  besides  using 
newspaper  space  freely,  conducts  a  systematic 
campaign  of  publicity. 

The  home  of  the  Phonograph  Company  has,  with- 
out exagg;  ■  .tion  of  any  kind,  been  named  the 
most  beautiful  phonograph  demonstrating  rooms 
in  the  world. 

The  Company  occupies  the  entire  third  floor  of 
the  thoroughly  modern,  fireproof  Euclid-Square 
Building  at  the  junction  of  Euclid  Avenue  and  Huron 
Road,  and  this  floor  has  been  fitted  out  and  fur- 
nished in  most  elegant  style.  Everything  is  com- 
plete and  every  convenience  has  been  provided  for 


the  comfort  of  customers  and  visitors.  The  furni- 
ture, fixtures,  draperies  and  other  details  have  been 
selected  with  the  greatest  care  and  are  in  perfect 
taste,  as  is  well  evidenced  by  the  endless  succession 
of  compliments  which  the  management  receives 
from  visitors,  both  ladies  and  gentlement. 

A  prominent  feature  of  the  activities  of  the  Com- 
pany, and  one  to  which  a  good  share  of  its  success 
is  attributed,  is  the  practice  which  it  maintains  of 
featuring  Edison  recitals  as  an  attraction  for  the 
general  public.  In  addition  to  having  a  recital  every 
day  there  is  also  a  more  elaborate  program  arranged 
and  a  concert  given  at  regular  intervals,  the  admis- 
sion to  this  recital  being  by  ticket  and  the  tickets 
are  mailed  to  a  carefully  selected  list  of  high  grade 
people  in  Cleveland  and  vicinity.  A  most  satis- 
factory proportion  of  the  people  to  whom  these 
tickets  are  sent  attend  the  concerts,  and  the  sales 
results  have  been  very  gratifying. 

In  addition  to  its  competent,  systematic  and 
strenuous  publicity  work  and  its  regular  recitals, 
the  Phonograph  Company  also  attributes  its  suc- 
cess to  its  strong,  aggressive  management,  which 
has  selected  the  highest  class  of  salesmen  obtain- 
able. These  salesmen  are  given  every  possible  co- 
operation as  is  every  dealer  with  whom  the  Com- 
pany comes  into  contact. 

Another  important  feature  in  assisting  success  is 
the  fact  that  the  Company  keeps  on  hand  a  large 
stock  of  machines  and  records  and  devotes  the  most 
careful  attention  to  its  Shipping  Department,  in 
which  none  but  the  most  competent  men  are  em- 
ployed, thus  ensuring  satisfactory  deliveries  and 
no  disappointments,  which,  it  is  almost  needless  to 
add,  is  the  backbone  of  any  successful  jobbing 
business. 

It  was  with  the  idea  in  mind  of  serving  custo- 
mers in  the  quickest  and  most  satisfactory  manner 
that  the  Company  opened  its  permanent  branch 
distributing  store  at  Cincinnati  to  supply  the  needs 
of  the  Southern  Ohio  territory  and  to  provide  the 
trade  with  stock  in  the  quickest  possible  manner. 
Similarly,  prior  to  the  Christmas  rush  the  Company 
realized  that  a  store  located  in  the  heart  of  the  re- 
tail section  was  necessary  to  display  and  demon- 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JUNE,  1914 


79 


strate  the  Edison  Phonograph  to  best  advantage 
and  therefore  the  branch  at  36  Taylor  Arcade  was 
opened.  The  success  of  this  branch  was  immed- 
iate and  overwhelming  and  the  Company  very  soon 
realized  that  instead  of  a  temporary  branch  they 
had  a  permanent  location,  as  the  public  continued 
to  come  in  increasing  numbers  to  listen  to  the  Edi- 
son and  to  acquaint  themselves  with  its  many 
superior  qualities.  Therefore  the  idea  of  closing 
the  store  after  Christmas  was  abandoned  and  it  has 
become  a  permanent  and  active  part  of  the  Phono- 
graph Company's  organization. 

Taken  altogether  the  Phonograph  Company,  in 
the  short  time  it  has  been  in  business,  has  made  a 
striking  success.  Some  of  the  main  features  con- 
tributing to  this  success  have  been  outlined  above 
and  with  a  continuance  and  development  of  its 
present  policy,  the  Company  looks  forward  with 
the  greatest  optimism  to  the  future  because  there 
is  only  one  best  phonograph  on  the  market  and  that 
is  the  Edison. 


SHOULD  A  JOBBER  ADVERTISE? 

By  B.  W.  Smith 

of  The  Phonograph  Company 

Cleveland  and  Cincinnati 

THE  question  at  the  head  of  this  article  be- 
longs to  the  same  class  as  the  classic  "Is  water 
wet?"  The  answer  is  so  obvious  that  one 
wonders  why  it  should  be  asked  at  all.  As  a  matte; 
of  fact,  however,  it  is  asked  for  the  main  purpose  of 
bringing  out  how  and  when  the  jobber  should  ad- 
vertise in  order  to  stimulate  trade  in  his  territory. 
In  the  first  place  it  needs  no  argument  to  prove 
that  the  most  complete  co-operation  between  the 
dealer  and  the  jobber  is  necessary  in  order  to  pro- 
duce the  best  results,  and  as  a  step  in  this  direction 
a  systematic  advertising  campaign  on  the  part  of 
the  jobber  is  one  of  the  most  useful  and  profitable 
undertakings  that  can  be  entered  upon. 

The  dealer,  especially  the  small  dealer,  has  neither 
the  ability  nor  the  knowledge  to  advertise  in  a  bus- 
iness-building manner,  with  the  result  that  what- 
ever money  he  may  spend  in  this  direction  is 
largely  wasted  and  quite  likely  to  have  the  adverse 
effect  of  making  him  think  that  because  his  adver- 
tising did  not  sell  phonographs  there  is  something 
wrong  with  the  machine,  for  he  will  certainly  never 
admit  to  himself  that  the  trouble  is  with  his  own 
inefficient  advertising. 

The  jobber,  however,  with  his  greater  experience, 
wider  knowledge  and  general  grasp  of  the  entire 
field  and  the  problems  in  it,  is  in  a  position  to  se- 
cure the  knowledge  of  just  when  and  how  to  adver- 
tise. He  is  able  to  appreciate  the  fact  that  there  is 
very  little  to  be  gained  by  haphazard  methods,  and 
everything   by   planning   and   carrying'  through    a 


systematic,  carefully  worked  up  campaign.  In 
certain  cases  he  will  find  it  to  his  advantage  to 
furnish  copy  and  advice  for  the  publicity  work  of 
the  dealer,  but  entirely  apart  from  this  he  should 
maintain  a  distinct  plan  of  his  own,  carefully  worked 
out  on  a  proved  scientific  basis  such  as  will  inevi- 
tably produce  results  in  due  time. 

The  old  days  of  hit  and  miss  guesswork  in  adver- 
tising have  gone  never  to  return,  and  in  their  place 
has  come  a  scientific  knowledge  of  the  principles 
of  publicity,  as  well  as  the  appreciation  of  the  fact 
that  no  one  medium  is  sufficient  in  itself  to  answer 
all  the  requirements  of  any  given  campaign.  In 
other  words,  the  advertiser  must  study  his  field  and 
make  use  of  every  possible  means  of  securing  legi- 
timate publicity. 

When  a  jobber  does  this  he  cannot  fail,  in  the 
course  of  a  reasonable  time,  to  impress  upon  the 
minds  of  the  public  at  large  the  fact  that  the  Edison 
Phonograph  is  something  to  be  reckoned  with, 
that  it  has  features  superior  to  all  other  phono- 
graphs, that  its  merits  do  not  have  to  be  taken  for 
granted,  because  the  public  is  invited  to  compare 
it  rigidly  with  any  other  machine  and  to  note  its 
superiority.  There  is  no  cause  for  evasion  of  any 
kind  because  the  Edison  is  actually  the  best  and, 
as  such,  invites  rather  than  wishes  to  avoid  compe- 
tition. 

Should  a  jobber  advertise?  Most  certainly  and 
decidedly,  yes.  But  let  him  not  go  blindly  into  the 
wide  field  of  publicity  and  stray  around  without 
fixed  ideas.  Let  him  carefully  plan  his  line  of  action 
with  the  advice  and  assistance  of  some  one  who 
knows,  and  then  he  is  able  to  go  ahead  with  the 
absolute  knowledge  that  every  dollar  he  spends  is 
an  actual  investment  that  will  bear  fruit  in  due 
season. 


CANADIAN  SPECIALS  MUCH 
APPRECIATED 

"I  am  just  in  receipt  of  the  May  selections  for 
the  Blue  Amberol  Records  and  I  can  assure  you 
that  the  Canadian  selections,  especeially  those  by 
Harold  Jarvis,  will  be  much  appreciated  here. 
Although  the  Patriotic  Songs  of  the  United  States 
are  much  appreciated,  yet  in  view  of  the  100  years 
of  peace  I  am  sure  some  of  our  well-known  National 
Airs — "Rule  Britannia;"  "Red,  White  and  Blue," 
and  "God  Save  the  King" — would  be  largely  sought 
after  by  those  who  like  myself  claim  Great  Britain 
as  their  birth-place.  In  conclusion  I  would  like  to 
repeat  what  I  said  before  that  for  sweetness  of  tone, 
clear    enunciation    and    choice    of    selections,    the 

and  are  not  to  be  compared  to  your 

latest  invention  and  I  have  had  considerable  exper- 
ience with  all  makes  of  graphophones." — Harry 
D.  Jshmead,  Toronto,  Ont. 


80  EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JUNE,  1914 

WALTER  VAN  BRUNT 

Now  under  Exclusive  Edison  Contract 

MR.  VAN  BRUNT  hails  from  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  where  he  was  born  April,  1892.  He  was  boy  soprano 
at  Trinity  and  St.  John's  Churches,  New  York,  when  thirteen  years  of  age,  and  was  induced  by 
his  success  to  devote  all  his  time  to  music.  He  has  appeared  in  many  musical  entertainments  in 
and  around  New  York,  always  carrying  off  more  than  his  share  of  the  honors.  Touring  in  vaudeville  with 
Halsey  Moore  he  has  popularized  a  number  of  "hits,"  his  clear  and  delightful  personality  making  him  a 
^reat  favorite. 

It  is  unnecessary  to  tell  those  who  have  heard  his  records  how  great  a  favorite  he  has  become  with 
Edison  audiences.  He  handles  his  fine  tenor  voice  with  such  ease  and  sings  so  artistically  that  he  cannot 
help  be  the  admiration  of  all  who  like  a  versatile  and  gifted  singer. 

By  special  arrangement  he  will  now  be  recorded  exclusively  by  the  Edison  Laboratory. 

VAN  BRUNT'S  EDISON  RECORDS: 


1777 
2140 


1967 
1609 


1621 

1797 
1735 
1910 
1902 

1741 

1824 

1513 

1536 
1788 

1718 

1568 

2036 
1941 
2118 

1526 
1943 

1846 
1566 
1921 

2033 
2020 
2182 

2266 
2333 

2356 


8C077 


BLUE  AMBEROL  RECORDS 

Any  Girl  Looks  Good  in  Summer  {Schwartz) 
Be  My  Little  Baby  Bumble  Bee — A  Winsome 

Widow  {Marshall)  with  Elizabeth  Spencer, 

Soprano 
By  the  Light  of  the  Jungle  Moon  {Atkinson) 
Don't  Turn  My  Picture  to  the  Wall — The 

Girl     from     Montmarte      {Kern)       with 

Elizabeth  Spencer,  Soprano 
Everything's  at  Home  Except  Your  Wife — ■ 

Oh!  Oh!  Delphine 
Famous  Songs  in  Irish  Plays 
Georgia  Land  {Carroll)  with  Chorus 
Good  Bye,  Rose  {Ingraham) 
Hear    the    Pickaninny    Band    {Furth)    with 

Chorus 
I'll  Get  You  {Edwards) 
It  Takes  a  Little  Rain  with  the  Sunshine 

{Carroll) 
Just  That  You  are  You — The  Merry  Coun- 
tess {Strauss) 
Ma  Lady  Lu  {Brill)  with  Chorus 
Mary    and    John     (The    Lovers'     Quarrel) 
{Forest) 

Oh!   What  a  Beautiful  Dream  {Cooper)  with 
Chorus 
On  a  Beautiful  Night  with  a  Beautiful  Girl 

{Edwards)  with  Chorus 
Peg  o'  My  Heart  {Fischer) 
Somebody's  Coming  to  My  House  {Berlin) 
Take  Me  Back  {Berlin) 
Teasing  Moon  {Marshall) 
There's   a   Girl   in   the   Heart  of  Maryland 

{Carroll) 
There's  One  in  a  Million  Like  You  {Schwartz) 
Village  Band  {Morse)  with  Chorus 
Where  the  Red,  Red  Roses  Grow  {Schwartz) 

with  Helen  Clark,  Mezzo-soprano 
You're  My  Girl  {Heath) 
You're  the  Same  Old  Girl  {Grant) 
You've  Got  Your  Mother's   Big  Blue  Eye: 

{Berlin) 
My  Hidden  Treasure 
Off  with  the  Old  Love,  On  with  the   New 

{Carroll) 
A  Real  Moving  Picture  from  Life  {Von  Tilzer) 

DISC  RECORDS 

And    a    Little    Child    Shall    Lead    Them 
{Harris)    with    Chorus;    Reverse:    For 
You  {Sydney  Smith)  Soprano 

Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Chorus 


80089  Baby  Rose  {Weslyn-Christie)  with  Chorus 
Reverse:  We  Have  No  One  to  Care  for 
Us  Now  {Herny)  Tenor  With  Chorus 

50083  I  Love  the  Name  of  Mary  {Olcott  and  Ball) 
with  Chorus;  Reverse:  Trail  of  the 
Lonesome  Pine  {Carroll)  Tenor 

With  Chorus 

50094  I  Wished  That  You  Belonged  to  Me 
{Browne)  with  Chorus;  Reverse:  There 
is  No  Love  Like  Mine  {Hirsch)  Soprano 
and  Tenor   Marie  Kaiser  and  Royal  Fish 

80118  Just  Before  the  Battle,  Mother  {Root) 
With  Chorus;  Reverse:  Won't  You 
Write  a  Letter,  Papa?  {Miller)  Tenor 

With  Chorus 

50055     Ma  Lady  Lu  {Brill)  With  Chorus;  Reverse: 
Some  Day  {Wellings)  Soprano 

Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Chorus 

80082     Mocking  Bird   {Winner)  with  Elizabeth 
Spencer,  Soprano;   Reverse:  Afterwards 
{Mullen)  Tenor    Reed  Miller  and  Chorus 

80085  Only  to  See  Her  Face  Again  {Stewart) 
with  Chorus;  Reverse:  'Tis  But  a 
Little  Faded  Flower  {Thomas)  Tenor 
and  baritone 

John  Young  and  Frederick  J.  Wheeler 

50101     Sleepy  Rose  {Andino);   Reverse:  With  Joy 
My     Heart — Chimes     of     Normandy 
{Planquette)  Baritone 

Marcus  Kellermann 

80093  Sweet  Old  Rose  {Dempsey  and  Schmid) 
With  Chorus;  Reverse:  There'll  Come  a 
Day  {Snyder)  Soprano  and  Tenor 

Elizabeth  Spencer  and  John  Young 

80104  Sympathy— The  Firefly  {Friml)  with 
Elizabeth  Spencer,  Soprano;  Reverse: 
Dream  of  Home  {Herbert) 

Elizabeth  Spencer 

80081  Wait  Till  the  Clouds  Roll  By  {Fulmer) 
with  Chorus;  Reverse:  Whisper  and  I 
Shall  Hear  {Piccolomini)  Soprano, 
violin  and  violoncello  obligato 

Elizabeth  Spencer 

50114  We  Have  Much  to  be  Thankful  For 
{Berlin)',  Reverse:  When  It's  Apple 
Blossom  Time  in  Normandy  {Mellor, 
Gifford  and  Trevor)  Baritone 

Vernon  Archibald  and  Chorus 

80129  Something— Firefly  {Rudolph-Friml)Whh 
Elizabeth  Spencer,  soprano;  Reverse: 
Sweet  Thoughts  of  Home  {Edwards) 
Contralto  Christine  Miller 


THE  DIAMOND  DISC 

Matters  of  Special   Interest   to   Disc   Jobbers   and   Dealers 


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1 

DEMONSTRATING  THE  DISC 
A  FINE  ART 


THE  Edison  Disc  is  a  musical  instru- 
ment of  high  order.  It  appeals  to  a 
cultured  taste,  and  should  therefore, 
be  presented  in  a  dignified,  refined  and 
exclusive  manner. 

Those  who  have  handled  the  higher 
grades  of  pianos  and  piano  players,  to- 
gether with  harps  and  other  musical 
instruments,  need  no  argument  to  con- 
vince them  that  the  setting  an  instru- 
ment receives  has  much  to  do  with  its 
favorable  consideration.  All  the  largest 
and  most  successful  of  the  high  grade 
piano  manufacturers  try,  as  far  as 
practical,  to  individualize  each  piano, 
giving  it  plenty  of  space,  luxurious  sur- 
roundings and  rooms  specially  adapted 
to  good  acoustics. 

The  Edison  disc  should  be  similarly 
considered,  and  experience  shows  that 
where  so  treated,  it  meets  with  deserved 
appreciation  by  those  whose  artistic 
sensibilities  are  favorably  influenced  by 
surroundings. 

All  things  being  equal  that  dealer  will 
effect  most  sales  who  individualizes  each 
Disc  machine,  so  that  the  prospective 
purchaser's  mind  is  not  diverted  by  even 


the  presence  of  other  models.  Where  a 
number  of  Disc  machines  are  lined  up 
and  one  is  set  in  operation,  there  arises 
at  once  in  the  listener's  mind,  the  wonder 
how  the  other  models  compare  with  the 
one  operating.  That  thought  is  a  detri- 
ment to  any  prospective  sale.  It  would  be 
far  better  if  only  one  model  were  in  sight. 

Many  of  our  most  successful  Disc 
dealers  have  realized  the  truth  of  these 
remarks  and  have  provided  separate  re- 
cital rooms  where  only  one  model  (or  at 
most  two)  are  in  evidence.  The  practice 
cannot  be  too  highly  commended.  The 
dealer's  chance  of  selling  a  higher  priced 
Disc,  by  individualizing  in  this  way,  is 
greatly  increased  and  facilitated. 

When  it  comes  to  demonstrating  to  an 
audience  rather  than  a  single  prospect, 
the  need  for  artistic  setting  is  even  more 
pronounced.  It  partakes  of  a  more 
formal,  concert-like,  character,  and 
should  be  regarded  in  the  light  of  a  pub- 
lic reception.  Attention  to  details,  at 
such  a  recital,  is  as  needful  as  it  would 
be  if  were  a  reception  in  a  drawing-room. 
Floors  should  be  scrupulously  clean, 
curtains   at  the  windows   adjusted,   and 


81 


82 


EDISON  PHONCGPAPH  MONTHLY,  JUNE,  1914 


an  air  of  tidiness  and  neatness  presented 
everywhere.  But  above  all  the  Disc 
itself  should  be  well  set  off. 

Perhaps  we  cannot  better  emphasize 
our  point  of  view  in  this  matter  than  to 
reproduce  herewith  the  stage  setting  of 
a  Disc  reception  given  recently  at  Hamil- 
ton, Ont.,  by  our  Mr.  L.  D.  Hatfield. 
(See  illustration  on  the  previous  page.) 
The  appearance  of  palms  produces  a 
festive  effect,  and  lends  dignity  and 
grace  to  the  occasion.  As  music  is  an 
appeal  to  the  esthetic,  the  more  esthetic 
the  surroundings,  the  deeper  and  more 
lasting  the  effect.  Notice  also,  that 
while  there  are  two  disc  models  in  sight, 
the  one  playing  is  given  the  prominence 
and  the  other  is  kept  in  the  background. 

A  little  expense  for  artistic  decoration 
like  this  goes  a  long  way  toward  taking 
the  event  out  of  the  commonplace.  It 
is  not  necessary  that  palms  be  employed, 
but  in  some  way  the  setting  should  bear 
a  fresh,  festive  aspect. 

In  the  selection  of  records  to  be  played 
much  good  judgment  and  discrimination 
can  be  exercised  by  forethought.  It  is 
worth  quite  a  little  study  to  determine 
just  what  selections  are  to  form  the  back- 
bone of  a  recital.  It  is  worth  getting  the 
sales-force  or  the  office-force  together, 
as  an  audience,  before  the  formal  recital, 
to  determine  this  matter,  and  not  leave 
it  to  the  choice  of  anyone  party,  how- 
ever musical.  Get  in  variety;  get  in 
records  that  show  expert  recording, 
(like  violin  selections),  etc.;  get  in  some 
popular  selection  of  the  day. 

One  of  our  demonstrators,  who  gives 
his  entire  time  to  demonstrating,  (being 
entirely  free  to  go  from  place  to  place), 
after  wide  experience,  says: — "I  always 
render  the  program  I  believe  the  audi- 
ence is  capable  of  appreciating.  Where 
possible  to  reproduce  it,  the  'Eclat  de 
Rire'  from  Manon  Lescaut  (soprano 
solo),  proves  the  best  advertising  record 
we  have.  It  is  seldom  given  where  a 
murmur  of  approval  and  delight  does 
not  go  over  the  entire  audience  as 
Korsoff  strikes  the  high  note  at  the  end 
of  the  first  section,  while,  at  the  end  of 
the  piece,  it  generally  brings  great  ap- 
plause." 

Bringing  into  a  recital  outside  talent 
greatly  adds  to  its  attractiveness.  W. 
G.  Fawcett  our  enterprising  representa- 


tive at  Salem,  Ohio,  utilized  this  feature 
in  a  recent  demonstration.  He  says: — 
"We  have  an  Edison  disc  record  (50104) 
on  one  side  of  which  is  a  Fluegelhorn 
solo  of  the  song  'Oh  Promise  Me,'  by 
Anton  Weiss.  I  bought  the  words  and 
music  for  this,  and  Mr.  Fischer,  a  local 
singer,  sang  the  song  to  the  Fluegelhorn 
solo,  which  was  beautiful,  inasmuch 
as  he  has  a  fine  baritone  voice.  Two 
months  before  this  concert  I  had  a  local 
musician  play  a  piano  accompaniment 
to  two  of  the  songs  which  I  played  on  the 
Disc.  I  feel  that  these  stunts  break  the 
monotony,  interest  the  musician,  and 
his  friends." 

There  are  many  music-loving  people 
who  are  not  musically  posted,  and  yet 
don't  like  to  display  their  ignorance  by 
asking  questions.  It  is  well  to  remem- 
ber this  fact,  and  in  a  tactful  and  brief 
manner  give  the  information  as  if  it  were 
already  well  known.  In  some  such  way 
one  avoids  offending  both  classes — 
those  posted  and  those  not. posted.  How 
many  people  hear  a  piece  again  and 
again  but  do  not  know  the  opera  from 
which  it  is  taken  or  the  scene  in  parti- 
cular where  the  aria  occurs.  They 
mean  to  go  to  the  theatre  and  hear  that 
opera,  but  as  yet  have  not  done  so.  The 
remark  applies,  only  with  greater  force, 
to  instrumental  selections.  Just  a  brief 
introduction  to  a  record  greatly  pro-' 
motes  an  enjoyment  of  it,  and  this  can 
be  done  without  a  parade  of  learning  on 
the  part  of  the  demonstrator. 

The  explanatory  talk  or  "apprecia- 
tion" on  the  back  of  the  single  faced  disc 
records  well  illustrates  our  point.  Per- 
haps a  demonstrator  personally  would 
not  be  quite  justified  in  giving  off-hand 
so  studied  a  presentation  of  the  record 
to  be  played,  but  some  graceful,  infor- 
mative remarks  would  certainly  be 
appreciated  by  all  audiences. 

In  church  recitals,  or  recitals  at  pri- 
vate homes,  the  one  thing  which  those 
responsible  for  the  appearance  of  the 
Disc  most  fear  is  that  the  demonstrator 
will  indulge  in  some  commercialism.  It 
makes  a  pastor  hesitate  to  give  his  con- 
sent to  a  recital  in  the  church  parlors; 
it  causes  a  hostess  to  be  uneasy,  lest  her 
hospitality  be  turned  into  a  sort  of 
commercial  opportunity  for  some  local 
dealer.    There  are  many  churches  where 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JUNE,  1914 


83 


a  recital  is  hard  to  get  just  because  of 
this  feature.  In  spite  of  assurances  to 
the  contrary,  they  believe  a  shop  will 
be  open  on  the  platform  before  the  reci- 
tal is  over.  They  cannot  understand 
how  it  can  be  otherwise.  Here  is  an 
occasion  for  good  judgment  and  tact  on 
the  part  of  the  proposed  demonstrator. 
It  is  a  fine  art  to  conceal  art;  it  is  a  fine 
demonstrator  who  can  gracefully  keep 
out  of  sight  commercialism.  The  re- 
liance for  sale  results  should  be  entirely 
upon  the  advantage  of  an  artistic  de- 
monstration. 

There  are,  however,  a  number  of  side- 
lights that  interest  every  well  informed 
man  or  woman  who  listens  to  the  Edison 
Disc:  Its  indestructibility,  its  mainten- 
ance of  pitch,  and  the  freedom  of  the 
reproducing  point  from  carrying  the  tone 
arm.  People  want  to  know  these  im- 
portant facts;  they  are  glad  to  have 
their  attention  called  to  them  without 
solicitation  to  purchase.  The  time  Mr. 
Edison  has  worked  on  the  instrument 
can,  most  always,  be  casually  brought 
in,  and  very  often  the  reproducer  itself 
shown  and  explained  to  the  audience  in 
advance  of  the  program. 

But  apart  from  churches  and  drawing- 
rooms,  the  conclusion  of  a  program  is 
the  business  end.  Then  it  is  that 
the  audience  should  be  invited  to  come 
forward  !nd  inspect  the  instrument  and 
ask  questions.  Then  it  is  that  the  differ- 
ence between  the  Edison  disc  and  others 
can  be  explained.  Then  it  is  that  per- 
sonal addresses  can  be  secured,  and 
appointments  made. 

The  printed  program  is  not  to  be  over- 
looked. Where  it  is  possible,  be  sure 
to  have  one,  even  it  it  is  only  a  type- 
written one.  It  gives  a  better  impression 
and  assures  an  understanding  of  a 
selection  whenever  its  title  and  artist 
are  not  distinctly  heard.  It  enables  a  late 
comer  to  understand  at  once  the  piece 
being  played.  Number  each  selection 
"1,  2,  3,  4"  and  display  a  card  with  these 
figures  o'n  the  rostrum  as  is  done  in  con- 
cert halls. 

The  purpose  of  this  article  is  not  to 
instruct  in  the  art  of  demonstrating,  but 
rather  to  suggest  how  the  art.  may  be 
promoted. 


THE  EDISON  DISC  IN  EDUCA- 
TIONAL LINES 

STEADILY  and  surely  the  Edison  Disc  is  gain- 
ing in  favor  among  school  teachers  and  prin- 
cipals.     In   many  instances   it   is   supplanting 
another  well-known  make  of  Disc.     The  following 
incidents  bear  out  this  statement. 

In  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  in  addition  to  having  made 
a  deal  with  "West  High  School,"  whereby  Harger 
&  Blish  sold  them  a  $250  Edison  Disc  and  took 

back  their  $200  ,  they  have  just  concluded 

the  same  kind  of  a  transaction  with  "Lucas  School" 
of  the  same  city.    This  latter  school  also  had  a  $200 

Weathered  Oak which    they  traded  in  part 

payment  toward  a  $250  Edison  Disc  Phonograph. 

An  amusing  incident  is  related  in  connection  with 
the  introduction  of  the  Edison  Disc  in  the  "North 
High  School,"  Des  Moines.  The  Principal  reports 
that  they  are  simply  delighted  with  it;  that  they 
purchased  also  an  attachment  to  enable  them  to 
play  Records  because  the  faculty  at  dif- 
ferent times  desired  to  play  certain Records. 

The  pupils,  however,  simply  would  not  stand  for 

the  reproduction  of  the  Records  and  every 

time  that  any  attempt  was  made  to  play  a 

record  the  entire  assembly  room  commenced  to 
hiss. 

The  Mozart  Department  Store,  Greenville,  Ohio, 
writes: — 

"We  gave  a  demonstration  in    competition    with 

the  in   the   music   room   of  the   Memorial 

Building  before  the  entire  school  faculty,  and  after 
due  consideration  the  Edison  machine  was  selected 
in  preference  to  the  . 


We  consider  this  a  very  nice  sale,  as  the 


people  had  a  salesman  present  when  the  demon- 
stration took  place  and  even  with  all  this  pressure 
brought  to  bear,  the  Edison  machine  was  selected 
simply  on  merit  alone. 

The  money  for  these  machines  was  raised  by  the 
school  children  giving  entertainments.  The  faculty 
of  the  buildings  decided  on  the  machines  and  each 
building  voted  separately." 


WHEN  YOU  RETURN    DISCS    TO 
THE  FACTORY 

IN  future  DISC  RECORDS  when  being  re- 
turned to  the  factory  must  be  placed  in  envel- 
opes, and  carefully  packed  so  that  no  damage 
can  occur  on  shipment,  otherwise  they  will  not  be 
accepted  in  exchange  or  for  credit,  and  will  be  held 
subject  to  instructions  of  the  shipper.  In  many 
instances  in  the  past  DISC  RECORDS  have  been 
shipped  less  envelopes,  resulting  in  the  surfaces 
becoming  so  badly  scratched  and  damaged  that  in- 
spection has  been  impossible.  Care  should  be  used 
to  see  that  the  Records  are  tightly  packed. 


84 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JUNE,  191 


Krakauer  Bros.,  New  York 


EDISON 
DIAMOND 
DISC 
RETAILERS 


EXTERIOR  AND  INTERIOR  VIEWS 

1.  Exterior  of  Office  Building,    17  East   14th  Street;      2.  One  of  the  Edison 

Disc  Recital-Parlors;       3.  Entrance  to  Edison  Recital-Parlors; 

4.  Edison  Sales-Room. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JUNE,  1914 


85 


..  . 


Simon  Krakauer 
Founder  of  the  Piano  House  of  Krakauer  Bros. 

KRAKAUER  BROTHERS 
WHERE  TONE   IS    SUPREME 

WHEN  Simon  Krakauer,  founder  of  the  well- 
known  firm  of  Krakauer  Brothers,  piano 
manufacturers,  New  York,  gave  his  personal 
touch  to  the  construction  of  the  instruments  bearing 
his  name,  he  insisted  that  the  highest  standard  of 
TONE  should  be  maintained.  Coming  from  a  Ger- 
man musical  family  (being  born  at  Kissengen,  Ger- 
many, in  1816)  he  was  thoroughly  educated  to  be 
a  musician,  and,  in  time  became  a  violinist  and  or- 
chestral conductor  of  note  in  his  native  land.  Being 
such  a  thorough  musician  it  was  but  natural  that 
when  he  decided  to  produce  an  artistic  piano  he 
should  make  tone  the  dominant  feature.  That  his 
high  ideals  were  realized,  and  his  efforts  crowned 
with  conspicuous  success  is  evidenced  by  the  emi- 
nent position  attained  by  the  Krakauer  piano  in 
most  exclusive  musical  circles  today.  He  practically 
ignored  the  commercial  side  in  his  determination 
to  produce  an  instrument  that  should  not  only  win 
a  foremost  place  in  the  piano  world,  but  should  be 
able  to  hold  this  reputation  year  after  year  for 
very  nearly  a  century.  His  ambition  to  excel  in  tone 
reproduction,  was  similar  to  that  of  Mr.   Edison 


himself,  who  said  "If  music  is  worth  anything — it 
is  worth  reproducing  perfectly." 

The  impress  that  the  elder  Krakauer  put  upon 
his  instruments  has  been  jealously  guarded  by  his 
sons,  and  others,  who  succeeded  to  the  business. 
It  is  a  singular  and  noteworthy  fact  that  in  the  long 
list  of  pianos  frequently  offered  for  second  hand 
sale  or  exchange,  the  Krakauer  is  seldom  found, 
simply  because  the  original  purchasers  prefer  to 
keep  their  Krakauer,  once  they  acquire  it. 

The  Krakauer  tone  is  remarkable  for  its  purity, 
its  richness  and  its  lasting  singing  quality.  The 
touch  is  described  as  velvety  and  inviting  to  the 
performer;  a  touch  and  a  tone  that  fascinates  as 
well  as  satisfies  the  critical  musician. 

With  such  a  standard  of  operation,  no  wonder  the 
choice  of  an  Edison  Disc  seemed  a  matter  of  good 
business.  A  clientele  so  accustomed  to  fine  tone, 
would  be  quick  to  appreciate  the  fine  tone  in  an  Edi- 
son Diamond  Disc.  Both  inventors,  Krakauer  and 
Edison,  labored  for  the  same  ideal  tone,  and  both 
put  tone  quality  above  commercialism.  It  is  most 
gratifying  to  Messrs.  Krakauer  as  well  as  to  our- 
selves that  this  tone  alliance,  so  to  speak,  came 
about,  and  that  it  has  resulted  in  an  output  of  Edi- 
son Discs  through  this  old  established  piano  house, 
that  is  eminently  satisfactory. 

Krakauer  Brothers  say:  "We  find  the  Edison 
instrument  a  worthy  adjunct  as  to  quality  of  tone, 
with  the  Krakauer  pianos.  The  Disc  has  given 
entire  satisfaction  and  has  caused  many  surprises 
to  musicians  and  critical  minds."  And  the  sales 
of  records  prove  the    correctness  of  this    deduction. 

As  will  be  observed  from  the  accompanying 
illustrations  the  Edison  Disc  instruments  are  well 
displayed  in  the  Krakauer  ware-rooms.  They 
occupy  honored  places  beside  the  very  best  that 
Krakauer  put  his  name  to. 

On  three  occasions,  when  Mr.  Andrew  H.  Man- 
gold, manager  of  the  Krakauer  establishment  has 
demonstrated  the  Edison  instrument  by  rendering 
an  entire  program  at  an  evening  Musicale  in  halls 
of  large  capacity,  the  consensus  of  opinion  was 
expressed  by  the  listeners  as  "Marvelous,"  and 
here  we  wish  to  quote  from  a  bulletin  issued  after 
one  of  the  concerts:  "The  Musicale  which  was 
rendered  on  the  new  Edison  Diamond  Point  Pho- 
nograph gave  an  opportunity  to  music  lovers  to 
hear  and  see  this,  the  newest  invention  and  im- 
provement of  Edison.  The  rendition  of  John 
McCormack's  songs  were  indeed  perfect,  so  much 
so,  that  it  was  difficult  to  persuade  oneself  that  he 
was  not  personally  with  us." 

Messrs.  Krakauer  Brothers  in  1905  erected  on 
136th  Street,  New  York,  an  immense  piano  factory 
covering  an  entire  block  seven  stories  high.  Here 
under  the  best  possible  manufacturing  conditions 
the  Krakauer  pianos  and  piano  players  are  built. 


86 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JUNE,  1914 


ANSWERING     CRITICS 
DISC 


OF,   THE 


ONE   of   the   claims   advanced   by   non-Edison 
dealers    is    that   the    Edison   Disc   will   soon 
deteriorate  under  the  use  of  a  diamond  point. 
They   may   admit  some    Edison   claims   but  wind 
up    their    plausible   argument   with    the   assertion: 
"But  the  Diamond  cuts  the  Record." 

Never  was  there  a  more  specious  assertion.  They 
jump  at  the  conclusion  that  since  a  diamond  is  so 
hard  as  to  cut  glass,,  or  even  another  diamond,  it 
must  inevitably  cut  any  disc  record  no  matter  of 
what  substance  it  is  made.  The  lay  mind  is  readily 
frightened  by  such  a  statement;  and  some  Edison 
dealers,  also,  seem  quite  perturbed. 

To  a  dealer  who  knows  his  Edison  instrument, 
however,  it  is  of  no  serious  concern  and  readily 
answered.  For  the  benefit  of  the  timid  ones  we 
desire  to  reply  to  the  objection  fully  and  conclu- 
sively at  this  time. 

A  diamond  is  the  hardest  substance  known,  and 
certainly  will  cut  or  scratch  almost  any  substance- 
if  its  sharp  edges  are  properly  brought  in  contact 
with  it.  The  diamond  also  will  stand  hard  wear 
longer  than  almost  any  substance  known.  For  that 
reason  it  was  chosen  for  the  Edison  Reproducer- 
point. 

But  a  polished  diamond,  perfectly  ground  to  a 
fit,  is  an  entirely  different  proposition  from  a  dia- 
mond used  for  cutting  or  scratching.  The  Edison 
diamond  is  ground  under  a  microscope  to  fit  per- 
fectly the  groove  in  the  disc.  It  is  not  only  ground 
to  fit,  but  is  highly  polished — both  of  these  delicate 
operations  being  done  by  diamond-cutting  experts. 

When  the  diamond,  thus  cut  and  polished,  travels 
along  the  groove  of  the  Edison  record  it  follows  the 
sound  indentations  with  the  ease  and  precision  of 
a  finely  adjusted  chronometer.  Friction  is  reduced 
to  a  minimum  and  the  cutting  power  of  the  diamond 
is  eliminated  by  its  exact  fit;  by  its  freedom  from 
carrying  the  tone  arm,  and  by  its  highly  polished 
surface. 

Moreover,  the  Edison  disc  record  itself  is  exceed- 
ingly hard  and  offers  another  defense  to  any  cutting 
or  wear.  Its  hardness  insures  the  stability  of  the 
minutest  sound-indentations  made  upon  it. 

But  there  is  another  and  very  important  reason 
why  the  Edison  Diamond  Reproducer  does  not 
cut  the  record  i.  e.  it  is  relieved,  of  the  strain  of 
carrying  the  tone  arm  across  the  record  from  cir- 
cumference toward  the  center.  In  other  disc 
records  this  lateral  motion  is  obtained  by  the 
needle  tracking  the  groove  in  the  record.  As  a 
consequence  the  walls  of  the  record  are  soon 
broken  down  and  the  needle  worn  out.  The 
Edison  Diamond  Point  is  carried  across  the  record 
from  circumference  toward  center  by  the  tone  arm 


itself.  This  tone  arm  is  not  stationary  but  moves 
by  its  own  nicely  adjusted  mechanism  exactly  in 
conformity  to  the  record  grooves. 

Before  putting  the  Disc  on  the  market,  Mr. 
Edison  made  an  exhaustive  study  of  the  diamond 
point  and  the  disc.  Having  adopted  the  diamond 
as  the  substance  that  would  show  the  least  wear, 
two  other  problems  had  to  be  met:  (1)  a  suitable 
substance  for  the  record  itself,  and  (2)  a  mechanism 
to  move  the  tone  arm  from  circumference  to  center 
of  a  record. 

All  these  have  been  accomplished  and  the  result 
is  that  the  record  is  not  worn  or  cut  by  the  diamond, 
the  walls  of  the  record  are  not  subjected  to  a  side 
strain  in  carrying  the  reproducer  point  toward  the 
center  of  the  record  and  the  diamond  itself  is  not 
worn. 

Never  let  the  assertion  "But  it  cuts  the  Record" 
trouble  you  in  the  least;  it  is  utterly  false  and  mis- 
leading. The  unimpaired  surface  of  a  disc  record 
after  being  played  many  times  is  the  irrefutable 
answer  to  such  an  assertion. 


ADVERTISING   THE 
HOTELS 


DISC   IN 


OUR  enterprising  representative  in  Detroit, 
Frank  J.  Bayley,  has  sent  us  a  printed  card, 
ordinary  envelope  size,  which  we  reproduce 
below,  that,  to  our  way  of  thinking,  contains  a 
valuable  suggestion  to  other  dealers,  who  want  to 
secure  disc  publicity  among  the  guests  of  the  better 
class  of  hotels.  We  have  no  doubt  the  arrangement 
which  Mr.  Bayley  has  evidently  made  with  Hotel 
Griswold,  Detroit,  can  be  duplicated  in  other  cities 
where  dealers  are  alert  and  enterprising  enough  to 
suggest  it  to  the  hotel  management.  As  the  card 
is  self-explanatory  we  need  not  make- further  com- 
ment. 


FRIENDSHIP  NOONDAY  LUNCH 

Hurrah  Boys — Something  Very  Special 

Tuesday,  April  14th. 

12  O'Clock.     Hotel  Griswold. 

Last  Tuesday  55  turned  out  to  hear  FrankT. 
Lodge  and  Judge  Aldrich.  We  have  something 
most  unusual  in  Political  Oratory  besides  some 
MUSIC  AND  COMEDY.  Melody  and  mirth 
will  prevail.  One  hour  of  continuous  enjoy- 
ment.    50  cents  covers  all. 

PUBLICITY   COMMITTEE, 
C.  W.  Peterson,  Chairman. 

This  invitation  is  the  compliments  of 
FRANK  J.  BAYLEY 
He  wishes  you  to  also  accept  an  invitation  to 
call   and   hear   the   new   Edison   Diamond   Disc 

Phonographs,  something  new. 

10  East  Grand  Circus  Park    (Witherell  St.) 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JUNE,  1914 


87 


THE    HOMER    S.  WILLIAMS 
COMPANY'S  BEAUTIFUL 
EDISON  CONCERT  HALL 

THE  Homer  S.  Williams  Company  is  a  furni- 
ture store  doing  the  largest  business  between 
Pittsburg  and  Cleveland.  They  very  recently 
added  the  Edison  Disc.  The  new  Edison  Depart- 
ment was  deemed  so  important  that  the  Secretary 
and  Treasurer  of  the  Company,  Mr.  E.  VV.  Ritchie, 
who  has  had  a  wide  musical  education,  has  taken 
entire  charge  of  it.  Undoubtedly  his  knowledge 
of  music  coupled  with  his  acquaintance  among  the 
music-loving  people,  is  the  reason  that  this  Depart- 
ment has  met  with  such  great  approval  in  so  short 
a  time.  The  furnishing  of  the  Edison  Concert  Hall 
has  been  a  matter  of  much  careful  planning.  The 
floor  is  richly  carpeted  in  green.  All  wood  and  the 
ceiling  are  in  old  ivory  and  the  hangings  in  old  rose. 
From  their  very  finest  stock,  pieces  of  comfort  and 
beauty  have  been  selected  to  equip  this  concert  hall 
in  the  most  modern  and  artistic  manner. 

In  fact  the  room  has  been  so  very  tastily  deco- 
rated and  furnished  that  they  always  refer  to  it  in 
their  advertisements  as  "Our  Beautiful  Edison  Con- 
cert Hall." 

This  firm  are  doing  some  very  effective  advertis- 


ing in  their  local  paper,  The  Indicator.  The  copy 
is  expertly  prepared  and  displayed  while  the  space 
occupied  is  large  and  attractive.  We  cannot  see 
how,  with  all  the  advantages  of  a  fine  Concert  Hall, 
good  advertising  and  prestige  in  business  lines,  they 
can  fail  to  secure  a  profitable  Edison  Disc  trade. 
We  bespeak  for  them  the  success  .they  deservedly 
merit. 


THE    EDISON    JOBBERS'     DISC 
ASSOCIATION 

MR.  H.  G.  STANTON  of  the  R.  S.  Williams 
&  Sons  Co.,  Ltd.,  Toronto  is  very  enthusi- 
astic over  the  way  new  members  are  join- 
ing the  Association,  and  says  that  the  matter  of 
Articles  of  Agreement,  under  which  the  organization 
will  be  conducted  and  which  so  delayed  earlier  prog- 
ress, have  been  finally  adopted  and  are  now  off  the 
press  and  ready  for  distribution.  Mr.  Stanton  says 
the  enthusiasm  with  which  replies  to  his  letter  in 
writing  Jobbers  to  join  the  Ass'n  indicates  clearly 
that  practically  every  Edison  Disc  Jobber  will  not 
only  become  a  member,  but  will  give  the  Associa- 
tion his  hearty  co-operation,  so  as  to  make  the 
the  conditions  under  which  the  members  of  the 
Association  are  working  as  profitable  and  free  from 
trouble  as  possible. 


88  EDISON  PHONOpRAPH  MONTHLY,  JUNE,  1914 


50139 


50140 


50141 


50142 


Nine  New  Edison  Diamond  Disc  Records 

Third  Supplemental  List  June,  1914 

TWO  FINE  VIOLIN  SOLOS,  TWO  POPULAR  SONGS, 
FOUR  NEW  DANCE  SELECTIONS 

Price  $1.00  each  in  the  United  States;  $1.25  in  Canada 

Sicilienne   {Francoeur);    and   Rigaudon   (  Kreisler)  Violin Samuel  Gardner 

Mignonette   {Rudolf  Friml)  Violin  Samuel  Gardner 

The   Bells — Burlesque    {Frank  Stillwell)    Male   voices,   orchestra   ace Peerless  Quartet 

Ragtime  Dream,  The  {Goodwin  and  Brown)  Negro  duet 

Arthur  Collins  and  Byron  G.  Harlan 

Isle  d'Amour — Waltz  Hesitation.      For  dancing Band 

Nao  Faca  Isso!   {Duque-Sarrablo)  For  dancing Band 

Amapa — Maxixe  (/.  Storoni)  For  dancing Band 

Maori — Tango  {Wm.   H.  Tyers)  For  dancing  Band 


TWO    BEAUTIFUL   INSTRUMENTAL  QUARTETS,    EIGHT 
CHARMING  VOCAL  SELECTIONS. 

Price  $1.50  each  in  the  United  States;  $2.00  in  Canada. 

Serenade    {Franz  Schubert)   Violin,  violoncello,  flute  and   harp Instrumental  Quartet 

Summer  Dreams  {E.  S.  Phelps)  Violin,  violoncello,  flute  and  harp Instrumental  Quartet 

The    Bubble — High    Jinks     {Rudolf   Friml)    Tenor Emory  B.  Randolph  and  Chorus 

Just  Because  It's  You — The  Little  Cafe  {Ivan  Caryll)  Soprano 

Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Chorus 

Sing  Me  the  Rosary   {F.    Henri    Klickmann)  Tenor Irving  Gillette  and   Mixed  Chorus 

I'll  Change  the  Shadow  to  Sunshine  {Ernest  R.  Ball)  Soprano  and  Tenor 

Mary  Carson  and  Emory  B.  Randolph 

Macushla  {Dermot  MacMurrou^h)  Tenor Emory  B.  Randolph 

The  Land  of  Golden  Dreams  {E.  E.  Dusenberry)  Soprano  and  baritone 

Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Vernon  Archibald 
When  the  Roses  Bloom  {Louise  Reichardi)  Soprano  and  tenor 

Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Emory  B.  Randolph  and  Chorus 
The  Boat  With  My  True  Love's  Name  {Collins  Coe)  Contralto  and  baritone 

Helen  Clark  and  Vernon  Archibald 


FOUND   THE    EDISON    DISC 
BETTER  THAN  DOCTORS 

I  PURCHASED  one  of  your  Diamond  Disc 
musical  instruments  nearly  three  months  ago. 
Am  more  than  delighted  with  it.  After  a  thorough 
demonstration  by  dealers  in  other  makes  I  decided 
the  Edison  was  the  only  musical  instrument  that 
produced  our  favorite  selections  as  they  were  origi- 
nally played,  in  sweet  and  mellow  tones.  The 
volume  of  sound  and  the  overtones  are  perfect. 

All  other  makes  in  my  judgment  are  noisy,  tin- 
horn entertainers.  I  have  read  articles  saying  that 
music  of  the  proper  kind  was  being  effectually  used 
in  the  treatment  of  nervous  troubles.  Through  a 
nervous  breakdown  I  was  unable  to  sleep  nights  and 
forced  to  resign  a  lucrative  position.  Since  pur- 
chasing an  Edison  Diamond  Disc  and  playing  it  at 
night  before  retiring,  I  find  my  sleep  much  benefitted. 
My  health  is  much  improved.  This  is  something 
all  physicians  had  failed  to  accomplish  for  me. 

I  feel  that  a  treatment  of  a  similar  nature  would 
undoubtedly  benefit  many  others.     It  seems  to  me 


that  the  Edison  Disc  could  be  used  in  hospitals 
with  good  results." — Harry  B.  Thatcher  Mill- 
bourne,  Philadelphia. 


TOO  BUSY  TO  READ 

He  is  a  familiar  type — the  fussy,  fretful  man  who 
imagines  that  he  is  about  the  busiest  fellow  in  town. 
He  often  dumps  in  the  waste  basket,  unwrapped 
copies  of  business  or  technical  magazines  that  con- 
tain valuable  articles  bearing  directly  on  his  pro- 
blems. He  fondly  believes  that  he  is  too  busy 
practicing  to  bother  with  what  others  are  "preach- 
ing." 

The  trouble  with  this  type  of  man  is  that  he  has 
not  learned  that  the  real  executive  is  the  man  who 
so  plans  his  work  as  to  leave  a  reasonable  amount 
of  time  for  reading  and  planning.  There  are  shoals 
and  breakers  ahead  when  the  accumulation  of  new 
ideas  ceases.  The  man  who  declares  he  has  no  time 
to  read  is  unconsciously  advertising  his  small  caliber, 
his  slavery  to  detail,  his  arrested  development. — 
Printers  Ink. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JUNE,  1914 


89 


AN   EDISON   RECITAL   IN  THE 
HEART  OF  AFRICA 

REV.  GEORGE  GREEN,  a  missionary  located 
at  Ogbomoso,  via  Logos,  Southern  Niger-ri, 
West  Africa,  has  sent  us  the  photograph  from 
which  the  above  picture  is  reproduced.  This  par- 
ticular scene  occurred  at  a  little  town  known  as 
"Ire,"  located  several  miles  from  Ogbomoso  and 
visited  by  the  missionary  during  the  year.  It  repre- 
sents the  first  time  these  dusky  natives  have  ever 
heard  a  phonograph,  and  the  particular  song 
played  during  the  taking  of  the  photograph  was 
Pete  Hampton's  song  "I  Can't  Keep  from  Laugh- 
ing." 

The  little  town  of  "Ire"  is  a  bush  settlement  in 
the  very  heart  of  Africa.  It  is  one  of  several  settle- 
ments visited  each  year  by  Rev.  Mr.  Green  when 
on  his  missionary  circuit. 

Ogbomoso  is  a  town  of  some  90,000  and  there  is 
not  a  white  face  in  it  save  that  of  the  missionary, 
his  wife  and  little  baby.  It  is  populated  with  the 
blackest  of  the  blackest  negroes  Africa  produces. 

The  Edison  Phonograph  is  carried  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Green  on  his  missionary  trips  just  to  draw  and 
entertain  the  natives.  There  is  much  that  is  inter- 
esting in  his  experiences  and  this  Edison  machine 
does  good  work  wherever  he  goes. 

Edison  Phonographs  are  used  in  all  parts  of  the 
world.  Peary  took  one  with  him  on  his  first  trip 
to  the  arctic.  We  have  supplied  them  .to  British 
Borneo,  to  the  Falkland   Islands,   to  the  Samoan 


Islands,  to  India,  to  China,  to  Japan  and  to  some 
of  the  remotest  parts  of  the  world.  The  American 
Board  of  Foreign  Missions  sends  many  of  them 
to  its  various  mission  stations  every  year.  Only 
a  short  time  ago  a  missionary  in  Corea  wrote  us 
how  popular  the  Lauder  records  were  in  drawing 
crowds  to  his  Gospel  Tent. 

Besides  furnishing  entertainment  to  these  na- 
tives the  Edison  has  also  another  important  mission 
in  cheering  up  the  missionary  himself  with  the 
songs  and  hymns  of  homeland.  Rev.  Mr.  Green, 
for  instance,  is  a  native  of  Norfolk,  Va. 


AN  EDISON  DEALER  "ALL  AT  SEA" 

SANTA  CATALINI  Island— "The  Magic 
Island" — is  located  in  the  Pacific  Ocean  sixty 
miles  from  Los  Angeles.  It  had  a  most  ro- 
mantic history  and  Avalon,  the  only  town,  is 
world  famous  for  game  fishing  and  its  wonderful 
submarine  gardens,  viewed  through  glass-bottomed 
boats.  N.  M.  LeFavor,  Edison  dealer  there, 
carries  both  disc  and  cylinder  lines  and  is  a  "booster" 
all  right.  During  the  summer  months  a  fine  marine 
band  gives  public  concerts  daily,  stimulating  a 
love  of  music,  and  the  Edison  man  is  there  with 
the  goods.  During  the  long  winter  months  Edison 
entertainment  just  fills  the  bill. 

Mr.  LeFavor  carries,  beside  the  Edison  goods, 
an  attractive  line  of  high-class  jewelry,  art  curios 
and  bric-a-brac.  He  enjoys  a  high-tone  trade  and 
many  concert  patrons  are  on  his  list. 


90 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JUNE,  1914 


PAUL  ALTHOUSK 
Tenor 


MILDRED  HOWSON  HARTLEY 
Contralto 


ARTHUR  BLIGHT 

Baritone 


MORE  NEW  EDISON  TALENT  ON 


PAUL  ALTHOUSE. — Edison  audiences  are  to 
be  congratulated  in  having  the  opportunity 
to  hear  on  the  Blue  Amberol  Records  this 
inspiring  tenor  singer.  Mr.  Althouse  is  an 
American  having  been  born  in  Reading,  Penn- 
sylvania, in  1889;  he  is,  therefore,  in  his  25th 
year.  Although  he  started  out  to  be  a 
chemist,  he  soon  discovered  that  his  voice 
indicated  a  very  hopeful  and  bright  future  as 
a  singer,  and  he  wisely  decided  to  bend  all 
his  energies  in  that  direction.  For  seven  years, 
he  sang  with  a  boys'  choir;  then  studied  music  for 
two  years  in  Philadelphia.  Three  years  ago  he 
placed  himself  under  the  able  tutilage  of  Percy 
Stevens  and  Oscar  Saenger,  New  York,  where 
his  progress  was  rapid  and  increasingly  encourag- 
ing both  to  himself  and  his  instructors.  He  has, 
meanwhile  appeared  with  several  orchestras  and 
with  many  of  the  largest  choral  and  singing  socie- 
ties in  the  country,  and  been  enthusiastically  re- 
ceived. At  present  he  is  a  member  of  the  Aletro- 
politan  Opera  Company,  New  York,  where  his 
voice  is  recognized  as  one  of  exceptional  strength, 
clarity  and  beauty. 

The  selection  chosen  to  make  his  debut  before 
Edison  Audiences  appears  in  the  August  list  of 
Blue  Amberols,  announced  in  this  number  of  the 
Monthly.  It  is  from  Faust— "All  Hail,  Thou  Dwel- 
ling Lowly"  by  Gounod,  and  affords  ample  scope 
to  show  what  can  be  done  with  this  difficult,  but 
beautiful  part  of  the  opera  by  a  fresh,  young  voice 
that  has  native  ability  and  much  careful  training. 

"ALL  HAIL,  THCU  DWELLING  LOWLY" 
What  new  emotion  penetrates  my  soul! 
Love,  a  pure  and  holy  love,  pervades  my  being. 
O  Marguerite,  behold  me  at  thy  feet! 
All  hail,  thou  dwelling  pure  and  lowly, 
Home  of  an  angel  fair  and  holy, 


All  mortal  beauty  excelling! 
What  wealth  is  here,  a  wealth  outbidding  gold, 
Of  peace,  and  love,  and  innocence  untold! 
Bounteous  Nature!    'twas     here  by  day  thy  love 

was  taught  her, 
Thou  here  with  kindly  care  didst  o'er-shadow  thy 

daughter 
Through  hours  of  night! 
Here  waving  tree  and  flower 
Made  her  an  Eden  bower 
Of  beauty  and  delight, 
For  one  whose  very  birth 
Brought  down  heaven  to  our  earth. 
All  hail,  thou  dwelling  pure  and  lowly, 
Home  of  an  angel  fair  and  holy. 


MILDRED  HOWSON  HARTLEY,  comes 
of  a  long  line  of  musical  celebrities.  Her 
great  aunt  Mme.  Albertazzi,  was  a  favorite 
of  Rossini  and  the  original  mezzo  in  the  "Stabat 
Mater"  in  Paris.  Mrs  Hartley's  grandfather,  Frank 
Howson,  was  the  pioneer  of  grand  opera  in  Aus- 
tralia, and  her  father  Frank  A.  Howson  was  a  grand 
opera  director  at  the  early  age  of  twenty.  Mrs. 
Hartley  was  born  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.  Emma 
Thursby  was  her  first  teacher.  Her  latest  teacher 
Air.  Alexander  McGuirk,  of  Carnegie  Hall,  has  done 
much  to  further  her  career  and  enrich  her  voice. 
When  only  eighteen  years  of  age,  without  previous 
stage  experience  and  on  few  hours'  notice,  she  sang 
"Mercedes"  in  Carmen  with  the  Aborn  English 
Opera  Company.  She  also  sang  other  roles  such 
as  "Lola"  in  "Cavalleria  Rusticana."  She  is  now 
solo  contralto  at  the  Nostrand  Ave.  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  in  Brooklyn.  Her  voice,  as  one 
can  judge  from  the  Edison  record,  is  a  rich  contralto 
of  a  peculiar  robust  quality. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JUNE,  1914 


91 


EDWIN  SWAIN 

Tenor 


HENDRIKA  TROOSTWYK 

Violinist 


FRED  DUPREZ 

Monologue 


BLUE  AMBEROL  RECORDS,  AUGUST  LIST 


ARTHUR  BLIGHT,  baritone,  was  born  in 
Keokuk,  Iowa,  but  when  very  young,  his 
parents  moved  to  Canada.  After  a  careful 
training  abroad,  under  such  well-known  teachers  as 
the  late  Mme.  Julie  Wyman,  Signor  Tesseman, 
Isidore  Luckstone  and  William  Shakespeare,  he 
returned  to  Toronto,  Canada,  where  he  has  since 
established  an  enviable  reputation  as  a  teacher  as 
well  as  a  concert  artist.  His  beautiful  voice,  ad- 
mirable diction  and  magnetic  personality  are  all 
evident  in  this  rendition  of  "  Beauty's  Eyes." 


HENDRIKA  TROOSTWYK.  In  Amster- 
dam, Holland,  one  of  the  most  musical  cities 
in  the  world,  possessing  a  great  orchestra, 
and  many  gifted  solo  artists,  there  was  born  some 
years  ago  Hendrika  Troostwyk,  the  gifted  artist  who 
makes  her  debut  before  Edison  owners  with  this 
record,  not  only  as  a  voilinist  but  as  a  composer  of 
the  selection  also.  At  an  early  age  Miss  Troostwyk 
began  the  study  of  violin  playing,  exhibiting  marked 
musical  talent,  which  was  inherited  from  her  par- 
ents, both  of  whom  are  well  known  to  the  musical 
world. 

Miss  Troostwyk  graduated  with  honors  from  the 
musical  department  of  Yale  University,  and  during 
the  season  of  1908-9  was  violin  soloist  of  the  Brick 
Presbyterian  Church,  New  York,  and  of  the  Church 
of  the  Ascension  of  the  same  city  in  1909-10.  She 
is  concertmaster  of  the  New  Haven  String  Orchestra, 
is  also  well  known  as  a  concert  soloist,  and  is  gaining 
a  considerable  reputation  as  a  teacher.  Her  playing 
is  characterized  by  remarkable  technical  skill,  and 
a  clear,  sweet  and  sonorous  tone,  and  pure  intona- 
tion. 

Her  rendition  of  "Springtime" — her  own  com- 
position—  is,  of  course  authentic  and  well  shows  the 
talent  she  possesses  both  as  a  violinist  and  as  a 
composer. 


E 


DWIN  SWAIN,  the  well-known  concert 
singer  was  born  in  Florida  where  he 
spent  his  early  youth.  Then  removing  to 
Indiana  he  began  the  serious  training  of  his 
voice,  which  at  an  early  age  had  shown  great 
promise.  Completing  his  University  education  he 
came  to  New  York  where  he  studied  under  Victor 
Harris,  the  director  of  the  Metropolitan  Opera 
House,  of  the  De  Reszke  and  Sembrich  period.  He 
rapidly  established  a  splendid  reputation  and  was 
tendered  a  position  as  baritone  soloist  of  the  La- 
fayette Avenue  Presbyterian  Church,  New  York. 
His  work  as  an  oratorio  and  concert  singer  has  been 
truly  enviable  and  his  remarkable  voice,  with  its 
flawless  training  and  perfect  diction  has  placed  him 
in  the  front  ranks  of  the  best  singers  today. 


FRED  DUPREZ,  who  makes  his  debut  before 
Edison  owners  with  this  record,  was  born  in 
Detroit,  Michigan.  He  inherited  his  histironic 
ability  for  both  his  father  and  mother  were  on  the 
stage  for  many  years.  Mr.  Duprez  started  in  the 
theatrical  world  when  only  five  years  of  age. 
Since  then  he  has  had  a  varied  experience  in  Stock 
Companies,  musical  comedies  and  as  a  headliner  in 
vaudeville.  His  specialty  is  monologues  of  course. 
The  one  he  gives  on  this  record  is  original  with  him — 
an  old  theme,  but  sufficiently  new  to  be  amusing  by 
the  new  twist  he  gives  it. 

This  same  monologue  has  been  given  by  him  in 
theatres  all  over  the  world,  and  has  been  heard  and 
laughed  at  by  millions. 

One  of  the  reasons  for  Air.  Duprez's  success  is  his 
perfectly  serious  manner  of  speaking;  even  while  he 
is  saying  the  most  ridiculous  things,  by  his  intona- 
tion you  would  think  it  the  wisdom  of  Soloman. 

His  initial  Edison  selection,  "How  to  be 
Happy   Tho'    Married,"    is    Record   2373,   August 


92 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JUNE,  1914 


Oh,  we're  a  band  of  jobbers 

Native  to  the  trade. 
And  we'll  rally  around  the  bonny  good  disc 

That  bears  the  standard  name. 

(With  apologies  to  Polk  Miller) 

JOBBING   FOR   EDISON    BRINGS 
HAPPY   FACES 

EVERY  Edison  jobber,  every  Edison  dealer 
ought  to  be  happy,  from  the  mere  fact  that  he 
is  engaged  in  the  business  of  making  others 
happy.  The  world  is  full  of  people  whose  cares  and 
trials,  great  or  small,  "Need  chasing  away  with  a 
song;"  nothing  can  do  this  so  well  as  an  Edison 
Phonograph. 

"But  there's  a  reason'1  why  these  four  Edison  Job- 
bers are  particularly  happy: — 

Mr.  Silliman  is  smiling  because  he  has  been  com- 
pelled— really  compelled — to  move  into  larger  quar- 
ters on  account  of  the  increase  of  Edison  business 
in  Boston.  Moving  isn't  pleasant  in  itself,  but 
moving  to  much  larger  and  finer  quarters  brings 
a  smile  to  most  men.  Then  again  Mr.  Silliman  is 
happy  because  there  are  more  Disc  records  coming 
out  right  now — nine  exceptionally  fine  ones,  too! 
Who  wouldn't  smile  if  he  were  in  such  a  jobber's 
position  ? 

Mr.  Stanton  is  particularly  happy  over  the  way 
all  the   Edison  jobbers   are  "rallying  around"   the 


new  Edison  Disc  Jobbers'  Association.  "Every- 
thing is  coming  along  fine"  he  says,  "and  we're 
going  to  have  a  strong,  active,  and  united  otganiza- 
tion."  Then,  too,  sales  in  Canada  have  been  brisker 
than  usual  and  Edison  products  are  booming  there. 
Another  happy  Edison  jobber! 

Mr.  Kipp  is  usually  jolly  anyway,  but  some  things 
have  happened  recently  that  bring  a  broader  smile. 
For  one  thing  he  is  happy  over  the  results  of  his 
efforts  to  bring  the  Lennox  Piano  Co.,  Indianapolis, 
into  the  Edison  fold.  This  was  a  big  feather  in  his 
cap  and  shows  that  he  has  a  right  to  his  nom-de- 
plume,  "CAN'T  BE  BEAT  EDISON  JOBBER." 
Still  another  happy,  successful  Edison  jobber! 

Mr.  Lucker,  of  Minneapolis,  has  kept  an  eye  on 
St.  Paul  (as  most  Minneapolins  do.)  Over  there 
business  looked  promising  for  a  long  time  past. 
Now  he  is  happy  because  he  is  about  to  establish  a 
branch  store  there  and  thus  more  than  double  his 
Edison  output.  That's  the  fourth  happy  Edison 
jobber,  and  there  are  others,  who  have  equal  cause 
for  rejoicing  over  a  prosperous  Edison  business. 

"JOBBING  FOR  EDISON  BRINGS  HAPPY 
FACES!"  Let  that  be  your  watchword!  Then  go 
ahead  and  WORK,  WORK,  WORK! 


A  lot  of  dealers  are  doing  a  good  business  with 
Blue  Amberols  while  other  dealers  in  territory  that 
is  just  as  good  (according  to  our  crop  and  financial 
reports)  are  doing  comparatively  little.  Why  is 
this?  Is  it  not  simply  the  difference  in  the  effort 
put  forth? 


IT'S  DANGEROUS  TO  HAVE 
OPINIONS  ON  MUSIC 

Webster,  in  the  Globe,  New  York 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JUNE,  1914 


93 


A   SOUTHERN   CALIFORNIA 
WINDOW 

THE  Southern  California  Music  Co.,  Los  An- 
geles, Cal.,  devoted  both  their  large  windows 
to  an  exclusive  Edison  display  during  the  week 
preceding  Mr.  Edison's  birthday,  February  9th  to 
16th.  In  one  window  they  gracefully  arranged  an 
office  scene,  with  fine  desk,  filing  cabinets,  etc.,  and 
one  of  their  Edison  Dictating  Machine  salesmen 
demonstrated  a  real  business  man's  office.  They 
had  a  dictator  and  a  transcriber  operate  from  11:30 
A.M.  until  1:30  P.M.,  and  it  attracted  much  at- 
attention  and  resulted  in  several  orders.  We  have 
not  space  in  the  Monthly  to  show  this  window. 

The  other  window  they  arranged  tastefully  as  a 
home  scene,  in  which  the  Edison  Disc  Phonograph, 
the  Edison  Cylinder  Phonograph,  the  records,  both 
Cylinder  and  Disc  were  displayed.  The  Home 
Kinetoscope  was  also  featured.  The  furniture  was 
high  class  and  an  air  of  home  comfort  pervaded  the 
scene.  This  window,  also,  attracted  much  attention, 
particularly  from  the  ladies,  and  was  very  favorably 
commented  upon. 

In  each  window,  in  well  arranged  piles,  were 
Edison  Birthday  Buttons,  for  pinning  on  the  lapel, 
These  were  made  in  Los  Angeles  and  given  away 
to  anyone  stepping  inside  and  asking  for  one.  About 
4000  were  thus  given  away. 

Right  inside  the  front  door  an  Edison  Phono- 
graph dispensed  music  so  that  in  calling  for  an  Edi- 
son button  everyone  heard  the  disc.  The  results 
were  satisfactory,  as  some  sales  were  traceable  to 
this  advertising. 


THE    STORY   OF    FAUST 

SUPPLEMENTAL  TO  RECORD  28195  IN 
THE  AUGUST  LIST 

A  German  student  named  Faust  after  a  long  life 
of  meditation  desires  to  be  young  again.  Through 
a  supernatural  power  of  Mephistopheles,  the  Spirit 
of  Evil,  Faust  is  restored  to  youth,  with  all  its  pas- 
sions and  illusions,  and  is  endowed  with  personal 
beauty.  Mephistopheles,  (anxious  to  destroy  an- 
other soul)  contrives  that  Faust  meet  Marguerite, 
a  peasant  girl  noted  for  her  beauty  and  virtue.  The 
maiden  at  first  rejects  the  stranger's  advances,  but 
Faust,  urged  on  by  the  tempter  woos  her  so  ardently 
that  her  resistance  is  overcome.  It  is  during  this 
portion  of  the  story  that  Faust  sings  this  aria  "All 
hail,  thou  dwelling  lowly."  With  Mephistopheles, 
he  is  standing  in  the  garden  of  Marguerite' 's  home 
and  in  this  melody  he  rhapsodizes  on  her  modest 
dwelling,  while  Mephistopheles  stands  by,  grinning 
at  the  apparent  success  of  his  plans. 

Through  the  death  of  Valentine,  Marguerite' 's 
brother,  who  is  later  killed  by  Faust,  Marguerite 
loses  her  reason,  and  kills  her  newly  born  child. 
She  is  thrown  into  prison.  Even  there  she  is  fol- 
lowed by  Mephistopheles  and  Faust.  Overcome  by 
remorse,  the  unhappy  girl  expires,  Mephistopheles 
triumphs  at  the  tragedy,  but  a  chorus  of  heavenly 
voices  is  heard,  proclaiming  a  pardon  for  the  re- 
pentant sinner;  the  Evil  One,  foiled  and  overcome, 
crouches  at  the  accents  of  diving  love  and  forgive- 
ness, while  the  spirit  of  Marguerite  is  wafted  up- 
wards to  eternal  life. 


94 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JUNE,  1911 


DEALER'S  QUESTIONS  ANSWERED 


What  is  the  cause  of  A  80  sometimes  not  playing 
a  full  record  and  how  can  the  matter  be  adjusted. 

If  the  phonograph  should  slow  down  after  beine 
fully  wound  up  so  that  it  will  not  play  a  full  record 
through  at  the  same  speed,  the  following  is  usually 
the  cause,  which  can  be  ascertained  by,  removing 
the  front  grille  by  slightly  raising  and  pulling  out 
from  bottom.  Next  remove  top  grille  by  removing 
all  screws  holding  sSme,  raise  both  halves  of  grille 
together,  to  clear  edge  of  cabinet,  and  then  pull 
the  halves  apart. 

1 — See  that  all  packing  material,  such  as  block- 
ings, tie  string,  padding,  etc.,  has  been  removed. 

2 — Should  packing  material  have  gotten  into 
mechanism,  carefully  remove  same,  in  fact,  it  would 
be  advisable  to  remove  motor  from  cabinet  and  clean 
with  benzine  or  gasoline. 

After  washing  the  movement,  apply  oil  sparingly, 
but  thoroughly.    This  is  covered  under  "Oiling." 

To  re-assemble  motor  to  cabinet,  see  "Location 
of  Motor." 

3 — Examine  all  set  screws  to  see  if  screws  which 
should  be  tight  are  tight.  Sometimes  the  screws 
work  loose  from  the  shock  of  travel. 

4 — The  motor  has  moved  backwards,  making 
the  belt  too  tight  thereby  putting  an  extra  load  on 
motor,  or 

5 — The  motor  has  moved  forward  making  belt 
too  loose  thereby  causing  fluctuation  of  speed. 

To  remedy,  replace  motor  in  its  proper  location 
as   mentioned  in   "Location  of  Motor." 

6 — The  idler  pulley,  which  is  placed  on  every 
phonograph  to  take  up  the  slackness  of  the  belt  and 
which  should  ride  on  the  outside  face  has  slipped 
under  and  between  the  inside  of  belt. 

Replace  on  outside  of  belt. 

7 — The  arm,  which  carries  the  idler  pulley,  has 
been  bent.  This  arm  should  be  so  that  the  faces 
of  the  idler  pulley  and  drive  pulley  are  parallel, 
also  the  flanges  must  be  in  one  line. 

8 — The  tension  spring  has  either  been  bent  or  has 
slipped  off  the  idler  arm. 

Bend  back  so  that  the  tension  of  spring  is  just 
strong  enough  to  keep  belt  from  slipping.  If  ten- 
sion spring  has  slipped  off  arm,  replace  it. 

9 — Turn  table  shaft  bearings  needing  oil. 

10 — Pulley  on  turn  table  shaft  or  pulley  on  motor 
drive  shaft  having  moved  and  rubbing  against  bear- 
ings. 

The  pulleys  should  be  positioned  so  that  there  is 
about  -^"  clearance  between  upper  bearing  and 
top  side  of  pulley.  The  belt  should  ride  in  the 
middle  of  faces,  that  is,  belt  must  not  touch  flanges 
of  pulleys,  or  idler,  and  pulleys  must  not  touch  any 
part  of  castings. 


11 — The  sheet  steel  support  on  which  turn  table 
shaft  bracket  is  fastened  has  been  sprung. 

To  see  if  support  has  sprung,  lay  a  straight  edge 
or  straight  bar  across  the  top  of  both  sides  of  cabinet, 
then  observe  if  distance  from  bottom  side  of  straight 
to  top  of  turn  table  is  the  same  on  both  sides. 

Repeat  the  above  operation  only  place  straight 
edge  on  the  tops  of  back  and  front  of  cabinet. 

Should  these  distances  not  be  the  same  all  around, 
spring  support  until  they  are. 

1  2 — Sometimes  if  a  phonograph  is  kept  in  a  damp 
rovun  the  bottom  of  cabinet  will  warp,  thereby 
bending  the  motor  frame,  and  consequently  not  al- 
lowing motor  to  work  freely. 

13 — Phonograph  needing  oil. 

14 — Main  spring  needing  lubrication. 

15 — Main  spring  having  weakened. 

Replace  with  new  main  spring. 


COMPLETE  ALPHABETICAL 
BLUE  AMBEROL  LIST 

BEGINNING  with  the  August  Advance  List  we 
shall  issue  every  month  a  complete  alphabeti- 
cal list  of  all  Blue  Amberols  issued  since  the 
last  catalog  (April,  1914).  This  practice  will  be 
continued  every  month,  so  that  with  the  latest 
catalog  and  the  current  Advance  List  (beginning 
with  August,  1914)  the  dealer  will  have  an  up-to- 
date  lisc  of  all  Blue  Amberols  issued.  It's  a 
change  every  dealer,  we  feel  sure,  will  appreciate. 


A 


THE  NEW-SIZE  PHONOGRAM 

S   already  announced  The  Phonogram,  begin- 


ning with  April,  was  made  envelope  size, 
3}4x6y^  inches,  sixteen  pages.  It  contains 
the  full  list  of  records  for  each  month  with  appro- 
priate comments  under  each  title.  The  jobbers 
already  have  these  and  the  dealers  who  have 
subscribed  for  a  quantity  will  receive  theirs 
shortly.  This  size  ought  to  stimulate  their  dis- 
tribution by  dealers.  No  better  medium  for 
keeping  the  customer  and  prospective  customer 
in  touch  could  be  desired.  We  have  made  it 
more  interesting  than  ever.  Let  your  increased 
orders  show  your  appreciation  of  the  change  in 
size. 


There  are  nearly  8,000  people  in  the  United 
States  actually  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of 
phonographs  and  records.  The  men  engaged  in 
the  jobbing  and  selling  of  machines  and  records 
number  at  least  another  8,000,  making  an  army  of 
16,000  exclusively  engaged  in  the  making  and  dis- 
tribution of  phonographs  and  records. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JUNE,  1914 


95 


BLUE  AMBEROLS  FOR  AUGUST 

THIS  August  list  will  be  on  sale  Saturday  morning,  July  25th.    Six  new  Edison 
artists  make  their  first  appearance  at  this  time.     The  two  concert  selections 
are  exceptionally   fine.      Record   2377,   a    trio  of  banjo,  piano   and    drum,  is 
worthy  of  special  attention,  as  it  is  the  first  time  these  three  instruments  have  been 
successfulh-  recorded  in  combination  by  us.      The  piccolo  duet  (2359)  is  a  novelty, 
and  beautiful  it  is. 

CONCERT  LIST 

75  cents  each  in  the  United  States;  $1.00  each  in  Canada 

28195     Faust — All  Hail.  Thou  Dwelling  Lowly!  28196     Tannhauser — The   Evening   Star   (Wagner) 

(Gounod)  Paul  Althouse  Thomas  Chalmers 

Tenor  Orchestra  accompaniment  Baritone,  orchestra  accompaniment 

REGULAR  LIST 

50  cents  each  in  the  United  States;  65  cents  each  in  Canada 


235 ^     Favorite    Airs  from  Olivette  (Audran) 

Edison  Light  Opera  Co. 
235^     A  Real  Moving  Picture  from  Life — Von 

Tilzer  Walter  \  an  Brunt 

Tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2357  On  the  Banks  of  the  Brandywine 

Eugene  Emmett 
Tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2358  Beauty's  Eyes  (Tosti)  Arthur  Blight 

Baritone,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2359  Will  o'  the  Wisp— Polka  (Cox) 

Henry  Heidelberg  and  Eugene  C.  Rose 
Piccolo,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2360  While  They  were  Dancing  Around  (Monaco) 

Irving  Kaufman 
Tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2361  The  Whistling  Coquette  (Joe  Belmont) 

Ada  Jones  and  Billy  Murray 
Whistling   and   singing,    orchestra   accompaniment 

2362  Sunshine  and  Rain  (Blumenthal) 

Mildred  Howson  Hartley 
Contralto,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2363  Springtime  (Erna  Troostzvyk) 

Hendrika  Troostwyk 
Violin,  piano  accompaniment 

2364  Do  You  Remember?  ("Z")       Irving  Gillette 

Tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2365  Hark!  Hark,  My  Soul  (Dykes) 

Edison  Mixed  Quartet 
Sacred,  organ  accompaniment 

2366  You  Broke  My    Heart    to  Pass    the  Time 

Away  (Goodwin)  Manuel  Romain 

Tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2367  On  the  High  Alps  (Andre) 

Venetian  Instrumental  Quartet 
Violin,  violoncello,  flute  and  harp 

2368  A  Perfect  Day  (Jacobs-Bond) 

Metropolitan  Quartet 
Mixed  voices,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2369  That  Reuben  Tango  Husk'n'  Bee  (Grant) 

Byron  G.  Harlan 
Rube  song,  orchestra  accompaniment 


2370  Looking  This  Way  (Van  De  Venter) 

Elizabeth  Spencer  and  E.  Eleanor  Patterson 
Soprano  and  contralto,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2371  Kathlyn — Waltz  Hesitation  (Smith) 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 

2372  Harmony  Bay  (Sherman) 

Albert  H.  Campbell  and    Irving  Gillette 
Tenors,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2373  Happy  Tho'  Married  (Duprez)    Fred  Duprez 

Monologue 
23/4     Amapa  Maxixe — Tango  Brazilian  (Storoni) 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 
2575     This  is  the  Life  (Berlin) 

Billy  Murray  and  Chorus 
Tenor  and  chorus,  orchestra  accompanimeyxt 

2376  Three  for  Jack  (Squire)  Edwin  Swain 

Baritone  orchestra  accompaniment 

2377  Down  Home  Rag  One-Step  (Sweatman) 

Van  Eps  Trio 
Banjo,  J  iano  and  drum 

2378  Me  and  Mandy  Lee  (Mills) 

Arthur  Collins  and  Byron  G.  Harlan 
Coon  duet,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2379  Who  Paid  the  Rent  for  Mrs.  Rip  Van  Winkle 

Medley — Turkey  Trot 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  danc  ng 

2380  Stick  to  Your  Mother,  Tom       Will  Oakland 

Counter-teno\  orchestra  accompaniment 

2381  Ballet  Music  from  William  Tell  (Rossini 

Edison  Concert  Band 

2382  Whistling  Pete 

Billy  Golden  and  Joe  Hughes 
Vaudeville  sketch 

2383  Baby  Mine  (Johnston)         Elizabeth  Spencer 

Soprano,  orchestra  accompaniment 
2584     Buck  Dance  Medley  (Kimmble) 

John  Kimmble 
Accordion,  piano  accompaniment 


Jobbers  of 
Edison  Phonographs  and    Records 


DISC  AND  CYLINDER 

CALIFORNIA 
Los  Angeles — Southern  California  Music  Co. 
San  Francisco — Pacific  Phonograph  Co. 

COLORADO 
Denver — Denver  Dry  Goods  Co. 

CONNECTICUT 
New  Haven — Pardee-Ellenberger  Co. 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago — The  Phonograph  Co. 
INDIANA 
Indianapolis — Kipp-Link  Phonograph  Co. 

IOWA 
Des  Moines — Harger  &  Blish. 

MAINE 
Bangor — Chandler  &  Co. 

MARYLAND 
Baltimore — McKee  Surgical  Instrument  Co. 

MASSACHUSETTS 
Boston — Pardee-Ellenberger  Co. 
MICHIGAN 
Detroit — American  Phonograph  Co. 

MINNESOTA 
Minneapolis — Laurence  H.  Lucker. 

MISSOURI 
Kansas  City — Phonograph  Co.  of  Kansas  City 
St.  Louis — Silverstone  Music  Co. 

MONTANA 
Helena — Montana  Phonograph  Co. 

NEBRASKA 
Omaha — Shultz  Bros. 

NEW  JERSEY 
Hoboken — Eclipse  Phonograph  Co. 

NEW  YORK 
Albany — American  Phonograph  Co. 
Syracuse — Frank  E.  Bolway  &  Son 
New  York — The  Phonograph  Corporation  of  Man- 
hattan. 

OHIO 

Cincinnati — The  Phonograph  Co. 
Cleveland — The  Phonograph  Co. 
Toledo — Hayes  Music  Co. 

OREGON 
Portland — Graves  Music  Co. 

PENNSYLVANIA 
Philadelphia — Girard  Phonograph  Co. 
Pittsburgh — Buehn  Phonograph  Co. 

WlLLIAMSPORT W.  A.  MYERS. 

TENNESSEE 
Memphis — Atwood  Phonograph  Co. 

TEXAS 
Dallas — Southern  Talking  Machine  Co. 
El  Paso — El  Paso  Phonograph  Co.,  Inc.,    (Disc  only) 
Fort  Worth — Texas-Oklahoma  Phonograph  Co. 
Houston — Houston  Phonograph  Co. 

UTAH 
Ogden — Proudfit  Sporting  Goods  Co. 

VIRGINIA 
Richmond — C.  B.  Haynes  &  Co. 

WASHINGTON 
Seattle — Pacific  PhonographCo.,  N.  W. 
Spokane — Graves  Music  Co. 

WISCONSIN 
Milwaukee — The  Phonograph  Co.,  of  Milwaukee 

CANADA 
Quebec — C.  Robitaille. 
Montreal — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 
St.  John— W.  H.  Thorne  &  Co.,  Ltd. 
Toronto — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 


Vancouver — Kent  Piano  Co.,  Ltd. 
Winnipeg — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 

Babson  Bros. 
Calgary — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 


CYLINDER   ONLY 

ALABAMA 
Birmingham — Talking  Machine  Co. 
Mobile — W.  H.  Reynalds. 

COLORADO 
Denver — Hext  Music  Co. 

GEORGIA 
Atlanta — Atlanta  Phonograph  Co. 
Waycross — Youmans  Jewelry  Co. 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago — Babson  Bros. 

James  I.  Lyons. 
Peoria — Peoria  Phonograph  Co. 
Putnam-Page  Co.,  Inc. 
Quincy — Quincy  Phonograph  Co, 

IOWA 
Sioux  City — Harger  &  Blish. 

MARYLAND 
Baltimore — E.  F.  Droop  &  Sons  Co. 

MASSACHUSETTS 
Boston — Eastern  Talking  Machine  Co. 

Iver  Johnson  Sporting  Goods  Co. 
Lowell — Thomas  Wardell. 

MINNESOTA 
St.  Paul— W.  J.  Dyer  &  Bro. 
Koehler  &  Hinrichs. 

MISSOURI 
Kansas  City — Schmelzer  Arms  Co. 
NEW  HAMPSHIRE 
Manchester — John  B.  Varick  Co. 
NEW  JERSEY 
Paterson — James  K.  O'Dea. 

NEW  YORK 
Albany — Finch  &  Hahn. 
Buffalo — W.  D.  Andrews. 

Neal,  Clark  &  Neal  Co. 
Elmira — Elmira  Arms  Co. 

New  York  City — Blackman  Talking  Machine  Co. 
J.  F.  Blackman  &  Son. 
I.  Davega,  Jr.,  Inc. 
S.  B.  Davega  Co. 
J.  B.  Greenhut  Co. 
Rochester — Talking  Machine  Co. 
Syracuse — W.  D.  Andrews  Co. 
Utica — Arthur  F.  Ferriss. 
William  Harrison. 

PENNSYLVANIA 
Philadelphia — Louis  Buehn. 

Penn  Phonograph  Co. 
H.  A.  Weymann  &  Son. 
Scranton — Ackerman  &  Co. 

RHODE  ISLAND 
Providence — J.  A.  Foster  Co. 
J.  Samuels  &  Bro. 

TEXAS 
El  Paso— W.  G.  Walz  Co. 

UTAH 
Salt  Lake  City — Consolidated  Music  Co. 

VERMONT 
Burlington — American  Phonograph  Co. 


^  EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH 


MONTHLY 


<©£  EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY 


TIMELY  ITEMS  OF  INTEREST 


Have  the  goods  in  -Jock. 


An  Amberola  in  stock  is  worth  two  in  the  catalog. 
"Thank  you,"  costs  little  effort,  but  means  much. 


Resolve  to  secure  at  least  three  Edison  prospects 
each  week. 


An  Edison  circular  of  some  kind,  should  be  en- 
closed in  every  package  leaving  the  store. 

"Good  Morning    Mr.  Brown,''''  (or   whatever  his 
name)  is  worth  a  hundred  just,  "Good  Morning." 


In  life  insurance  many  a  "prospect"  dies  before 
the  policy  is  delivered;  in  the  Phonograph  line 
interest  dies  if  you  are  slow  to  fill  an  order. 


Watch  new  customers  and  cultivate  their  ac- 
quaintance, for  they  frequently  turn  out  the  best 
customers  in  the  end. 


The  Flammer-Hofsoos  Piano  House,  Milwaukee, 
recently  opened  very  handsome  Edison  quarters 
at  417  Broadway.    Already  they  report  a  fine  trade. 


Louis  Buehn,  Philadelphia,  reports  May  sales 
most  satisfactory  and  ahead  of  May,  1913.  He 
carries  at  present  the  largest  stock  of  Edisons  in 
the  history  of  his  house. 


The  Thiebes  Piano  Co.,  St.  Louis,  make  a  feature 
of  playing  the  same  records  on  three  makes  of  ma- 
chines and  allowing  the  prospect  to  note  the  differ- 
ence. The  Edison  is  pretty  nearly  always  the 
winner  in  the  end. 


Mark  Silverstone,  St.  Louis,  says  he  did  not  anti- 
cipate the  record-breaking  jobbing  business  he  is 
now  doing  in  his  large,  new  location.  More  room 
is  planned  this  summer — so  that  at  least  sixty  per- 
sons can  be  accommodated  at  one  time  in  store  re- 
citals. 


The  marriage  of  Miss  Madeleine  Edison,  daughter 
of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thomas  A.  Edison,  and  John 
Eyre  Sloane,  son  of  Dr.  and  Mrs. T.  O'Connor  Sloane, 
of  South  Orange,  N.  J.,  took  place  on  Wednesday 
afternoon,  June  17th,  at  the  Edison  home  in 
Llewellyn  Park,  Orange,  N.  J. 


"Children's  Concert,"  at  your  store,  would  be  a 
paying  advertisement.  Children  would  carry  the 
news  into  the  homes! 


A.  J.  Sanderson,  manager  of  the  big  Edison  de- 
partment of  Hayden  Bros.  Department  Store, 
Omaha,  reports  an  excellent  Edison  year  thus  far. 
The  sales  for  June  more  than  doubled  those  for 
same  month  last  year. 


Blake  &  Burkart,  Philadelphia,  were  favored  by 
a  call  from  Gregor  Skolnik,  the  eminent  violinist, 
who  has  made  several  Edison  records.  His  "Roman- 
za  Andaluza"  is  one  of  their  most  popular  sellers. 
A  view  of  their  quarters  appears  elsewhere  in  this 
issue. 


Hardman,  Peck  &  Co.,  New  York,  have  been 
holding  many  informal  Edison  recitals  which  are 
proving  very  successful.  Sales  of  the  higher  priced 
Edisons  are  in  the  great  majority,  patrons  desiring 
the  more  expensive  cabinets  to  harmonize  with 
their  interior  furnishings. 


Crop  indications  point  to  the  largest  wheat  har- 
vest ever  gathered  in  the  U.  S.,  and  conditions  in 
Northwestern  Canada  are  likewise  most  encourag- 
ing. Selling  Edison  phonographs  in  the  great  wheat- 
growing  country  is  interesting  reading.  Be  sure  to 
read  Mr.  Wagner's  article  in  this  issue. 


Pardee-Ellenberger  Co.,  Boston,  are  now  located 
in  their  new  quarters,  26  Oliver  St.  The  whole  in- 
terior presents  a  most  attractive  appearance.  The 
main  quarters  on  the  ground  floor  are  furnished  in 
Circassian  Walnut.  The  furniture  is  entirely  new. 
We  wish  them  great  success  in  their  new  home. 


Laurence  H.  Lucker  is  just  about  to  open  at  St. 
Paul,  Minn.,  his  new  "Edison  Shop"  located  in  the 
center  of  the  best  business  district.  Mr.  Lucker 
declares  he  will  make  this  the  handsomest  retail 
phonograph  store  in  the  Northwest.  It  will  have 
no  connection  with  the  Minnesota  Phonograph  Co., 
St.  Paul,  which  is  controlled  by  Mr.  Lucker's 
brother. 


M.  L.  Reynolds,  traveling  salesman  for  the  Sil- 
verstone Music  Co.,  St.  Louis,  is  signing  up  many 
new  Edison  dealers  in  Southern  Missouri  and  Ar- 
kansas. Among  the  new  Edison  dealers  recently 
enrolled  are  the  Hollenberg  Music  Co.,  Little  Rock, 
Ark.;  A.  B.  Carne,  Pierce  City,  Mo.;  the  Benedict- 
Boyce  Music  Co.,  Galesburg,  111.;  McQueen  Bros.. 
Carrollton,  Mo.;  C.  W.  Hess,  Butler,  Mo.;  Bush  & 
Carne,  Dyersburg,  Tenn.;  T.  J.  Evans,  Pittsburg, 
Kans.;  W.  H.  Moreland,  Jr.,  Metropolis,  111.;  Hol- 
brook,  Carthage,  Mo.;  H.  L.  Hoover,  Springfield, 
Mo.;  J.  W.  Guisinger,  Fayetteville,  Ark. 


98 


THE    EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH    MONTHLY 

Published  in  the  interest  of 

EDISON  PHONOGRAPHS  AND  RECORDS 

By  THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  Inc. 
ORANGE.  N.  J.,  U.  S.  A. 

THOMAS  A.   EDISON.   LTD..  25  CLERKENWELL  ROAD,   LONDON.  E.  C. 

THOMAS  A.  EDISON.  LTD.,  364-372  KENT  STREET,  SYDNEY.   N.  S.  W. 

COMPANIA  EDISON  HISPANO-AMERICANA,  VIAMONTE  515,  BUENOS  AIRES. 

EDISON  GESELLSCHAFT,  M.  B.  H.  10  FRIEDRICHSTRASSE,  BERLIN. 

COMPAGNIE  FRANCAISE  THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  59  RUE  DES  PETITES-ECURIES,  PARIS. 


olume 


XII 


JULY,  1914 


Number  7 


THE  BLUE  AMBEROL  OUT-OF-DOORS 

The  Great  Record  for  Summer-time 


HOW  gracious  and  how  true  was  the 
compliment  unconsciously  paid  to 
the  Blue  Amberol  the  other  even- 
ing when  a  neighbor,  after  being  intro- 
duced to  an  Edison  enthusiast  on  the 
same  street,  remarked:  "Oh,  I  think  you 
have  the  loveliest  phonograph;  it's  the 
clearest  one  I  have  ever  heard;  and  it's 
so  sweet  and  true.  We  just  enjoy  it 
from  our  veranda." 

The  Blue  Amberol  has  remarkable 
carrying  power.  In  this  respect  it  re- 
sembles the  quality  of  a  public  speaker's 
or  singer's  voice — every  word  or  every 
note  can  be  distinctly  heard  with  ease, 
even  at  considerable  distance.  There  is 
a  comfortable  satisfaction  in  listening 
to  such  a  speaker  or  singer;  and  there 
is  correspondingly  as  great  a  pleasure, 
even  when  out  of  doors,  in  listening  to  a 
Blue  Amberol.  It  is  not  so  much  that 
it  possesses  great  volume  (although  it 
has  this),  as  that  it  possesses  clear  voice 
projection, — a  quality  that  even  a  good 
conversationalist  realizes  is  indispens- 
able in  the  open. 

It  would  be  comparatively  easy  to 
produce  a  record  for  out-door  use  if  only 
loudness  should  be  its  chief  character- 
istic; for  nothing  is  so  simple  as  to  mag- 
nify sound.  You  find  that  in  the  hirdy- 
girdies    and   other    blatant  instruments. 


But  to  preserve  the  quality  of  the  music 
while  intensifying  its  carrying  power  is 
not  so  easy.  The  sound  must  be  born 
right,  which,  in  phonograph  parlance 
is  only  another  way  of  saying  it  must 
be  recorded  right.  Then  again  none  of 
the  sound  must  be  lost  in  the  process  of 
reproducing  and  amplifying  it,  so  that 
when  it  leaves  the  horn  it  is  not  harsh 
nor  blatant,  but  concentrated  and  forceful. 

That  the  Blue  Amberols  possess  this 
power  is  only  another  testimony  to 
the  faithful  work  employed  in  every  step 
of  its  recording  and  reproduction.  It  is 
a  splendid  record,  outdoors  or  indoors, 
because  it  is  made  with   scrupulous  care. 

Whether  one  listens  to  Uncle  Josh's 
contagious  laugh,  or  Marie  Narelle's 
high  notes  as  she  sings  '"''Wearing  of  the 
Green  "  there  is  no  harshness  in  one  in- 
stance nor  screech  in  the  other — both  are 
beautiful  examples  of  clear  voice  projec- 
tion. That's  what  makes  it  a  great  sum- 
mer record,  outdoors  or  indoors. 

With  the  summer-time  fully  here,  the 
Blue  Amberol  ought  to  prove  more  pop- 
ular than  ever  before.  The  demand 
exists  and  the  opportunity  is  now  given 
to  satisfactorily  supply  a  good  outdoor 
record.  Every  veranda,  lawn,  camp  or 
cottage  is  fair  selling  ground.  See  to  it 
that  the  occasion  don't  pass  unimproved. 


99 


100 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JULY,  1914 


Harger  &  Bush 

Des  Moines  and  Sioux  City,  Iowa 


B.  M.  Harger 

President 


Herman  F.   Silzer 

Traveling  Salesman 

Western  Iowa,  North  and 

South  Dakota 


G'O.  C.  Silzer 

Vice  President 


H.  H.  B.ish 

Secretary 


H.  H\RGER  BLISH 

Assistant  Secretary 


GUS.    U.    SlLZER 
Manager  Sioux  City  House 

"EDISON  EXCLUSIVELY' 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JULY,  1914 


101 


WHO'S  WHO  AMONG  EDISON  JOBBERS 

SEVENTH  ARTICLE 


HARGER  h   BLISH 

Western  Edison  Distributors  Cylinder  and  Disc  Phonographs 
Des  Moines  and  Sioux  City,  Iowa 

ESTABLISHED  1887.    INCORPORATED  1904. 


■ 

*                          W' 

k  •   f    f    u>     *  % 

i&     ' 

dp  *^g 

V 

-  -.^ _ : — 

?5ju.„    %m 

"Six  years  ago  we  started  our  Des  Moines  institution  with  one  man  and  one  stenographer.  Mr.  George 
C.  Silzer,  our  representative  there,  did  his  own  order  filling  and  packing  for  the  first  three  or  four  months. 
In  six  years'  time,  we  have  grown  to  twenty-four  employes  (as  you  will  note  by  counting  the  picture  and  add- 
ing four  more  whose  faces  it  was  impossible  for  us  to  get  into  this  group  picture  by  reason  of  absence  from 
the  city  and  illness).     And,  we're  not  going  to  stop  growing.       Harder  y  Blish. 


I 


T  was  early  in  the  year  of  1894  when  word 
reached  us  concerning  the  commercial  possi- 
bilities of  what  we  then  looked  at  as  a  toy,  and 
well  do  I  recall  the  first  demonstration  made  that 
secured  our  order.  Little  did  I  realize  the  import 
of  that  demonstration  that  was  later  on  to  domi- 
nate my  life  work. 

Our  first  purchase  was  five  Columbia  machines, 
310.00  ones  I  think,  and  the  first  merchandise  of 
any  kind  that  I  ever  bought  that  I  had  to  put  up 
the  cash  before  the  goods  were  shipped;  "not  that 
we  question  your  credit,"  the  salesman  said,  but 
that's  the  rule  of  the  Company  and  we  have  to 
treat  everybody  alike.  I  have .  thought  a  great 
many  times  since,  what  a  pity  that  such  a  rule  was 
ever  modified. 

The  business  was  a  success  from  the  start.  It 
was  just  at  the  beginning  of  the  premium  craze  and 


we  thought  we  saw  untold  possibilities  working  the 
phonograph  in  that  field.  We  worked  along  that 
line  for  several  years  when  the  opportunity  came 
to  us  to  broaden  out  and  take  up  the  sale  of  another 
well-known  make,  that  fairly  launched  us  in  the 
talking  machine  game.  We  started  a  wide  campaign 
to  exploit  the  talking  machine  and  very  soon,  were 
shipping  machines  by  the  dozen  and  hundred, 
from  Maine  to  California. 

It  was  widely  commented  on  at  the  time  how  it 
was  possible  to  develop  the  business  we  were  doing 
in  so  seemingly  an  out  of  the  way  place,  as  Dubuque 
appeared  to  our  customers  at  that  time.  It  was 
only  that  our  story  was  different  and  we  had  some- 
thing that  the  public  wanted.  The  business  kept 
on  expanding  and  we  shortly  began  to  order  ma- 
chines in  carload  lots — something  in  those  days, 
quite    unusual. 


102  EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JULY,  1914 


But  unfortunately,  our  balloon  was  soon  to  re- 
ceive a  puncture,  for  one  day  we  received  notice 
that  after  a  certain  date  the  manufacture  of  these 
machines  would  be  discontinued.  We  could  not 
conceive  of  such  a  thing  happening,  for  our  busi- 
ness by  that  time  had  assumed  quite  formidable 
proportions.  We  staved  off  the  inevitable,  however, 
for  one  more  year  by  contracting  for  the  entire 
stock  on  hand  at  the  factory  as  well  as  stock  in  the 
course  of  construction;  a  little  over  10,000  ma- 
chines. The  largest  single  purchase  up  to  that 
time  ever  placed. 

These,  however,  did  not  last  long — eight  months, 
I  think,  to  be  exact,  and  we  came  face  to  face  with 
a  condition  that  meant  getting  out  of  the  business 
or  reorganizing  our  work  on  entirely  different  lines. 
While  we  did  not  realize  it  for  some  time,  our  ina- 
bility to  renew  our  contract  for  these  machines 
proved  the  turning  point  in  our  talking  machine 
career.  The  public  was  being  educated  to  the  musi- 
cal value  of  the  phonograph  and  the  demand  was 
increasing  with  leaps  and  bounds. 

We  secured  a  Jobber's  Contract  having  by  this 
time  become  a  thorough  convert  to  the  greatc  om- 
mercial  possibilities  of  the  talking  machine  and 
devoted  practically  our  whole  time  to  its  further 
exploitation. 

Two  years  later  we  entered  the  Edison  ranks, 
and  by  that  time  had  well  developed  all  Eastern 
Iowa  with  our  enthusiasm.  We  readily  saw  still 
greater  possibilities  with  increased  shipping  facili- 
ties, and  in  1908  opened  a  branch  in  Des  Moines, 
putting  in  charge,  our  Mr.  George  C.  Silzer,  who 
had  grown  up  with  the  house  from  boyhood. 

Competition  by  this  time  was  very  keen  and  we 
were  obliged  to  contend  with  four  very  active  Iowa 
Jobbing  Houses  to  say  nothing  of  the  inroads  that 
were  being  made  in  the  Iowa  field  by  the  large  Job- 
bing houses  in  Chicago,  Minneapolis,  Omaha  and 
Kansas  City.  So  keen  was  this  rivalry  for  business, 
that  I  have  seen  six  different  phonograph  salesmen 
in  the  same  town  on  the  same  day  with  their  monthly 
samples  of  records,  waiting  to  play  them  over  for 
the  lone  dealer,  who  could  not  possibly  have  bought 
more  than  35.00  or  310.00  worth  at  most. 

It  was  this  condition,  we  realized,  that  must  be 
overcome  if  we  were  ever  to  make  any  money  and 
we  started  overtures  which  resulted  in  our  taking 
over  the  four  Jobbing  Stocks,  which  finally  placed 
us  firmly  and  we  felt  profitably  fixed  in  the  Iowa 
field,  we  being  then  the  only  Combination  Disc  and 
Cylinder  Jobbers  in  Iowa. 

Realizing  that  the  fullest  measure  of  our  success 
would  depend  on  the  efficiency  of  the  service  we 
rendered,  we  decided  to  maintain  one  of  these 
stocks  at  Sioux  City,  the  gateway  of  the  Dakotas, 
that  the  demands  of  the  trade  in  North  and  South 
Dakota,  Southern  Minn.,  Northern  Nebraska  and 


Western  Iowa,  might  be  the  more  quickly  and  eco- 
nomically handled.  The  success  of  this  has  proven 
the  wisdom  of  our  judgment,  for  our  gateway  city 
is  fast  setting  a  lively  pace  for  the  parent  house  for 
first  honors. 

At  the  Jobbers'  Convention  in  Milwaukee  two 
years  ago  we  heard  for  the  first  time  the  master- 
piece of  Mr.  Edison,  the  Diamond  Disc,  and  for 
the  second  time  we  felt  and  saw  the  approach  of 
another  turning  point.  What  we  saw  and  heard 
was  nothing  compared  with  the  product  of  today, 
but  enough  was  heard  for  us  to  realize  a  new  dawn 
was  at  hand,  and  realizing  this,  shortly  started  lay- 
ing the  foundation  for  building  anew  the  business 
along  lines  of  our  ideal,  which,  during  1913  became 
a  living  reality. 

We  have  been  especially  blessed  with  as  loyal  a 
lot  of  Dealers  as  ever  fell  to  a  Jobber's  lot  to  serve, 
and  I  feel  that  I  would  be  missing  my  duty,  were  I 
to  fail  to  accord  at  this  time,  my  sincere  appre- 
ciation for  the  loyal  support  through  many  a 
stormy  year,  accorded  us  by  them. 

In  closing,  I  will  only  add  a  foreword  to  those 
in  the  trade,  whose  ears  are  close  to  the  ground; 
unless  the  unforeseen  happens,  1914  will  have 
some  wonderful  surprises  in  store.  We  are 
swinging  into  such  a  stride  as  we  have  never 
known.  It's  an  Edison  atmosphere  in  an  Edison 
day.  Your  opportunity  if  you  will  but  make  it 
so.    What  are  you  going  to  do  with  it? 

H.   H.    BLISH 

TERRITORIAL  LINES  FOR  JOBBER 
AND  DEALER 

By  H.  H.  Blish  of  Harger  and  Blish 

ONE  of  the  greatest  handicaps  that  the  Jobber 
has  been  working  under  in  the  past,  in  the 
mind  of  the  writer,  has  been  the  difficulty 
in  engaging  the  attention  of  firms  of  recognized 
standing  as  to  the  permanency  of  the  proposition 
and  the  stability  of  the  line.  They  point  out,  and 
with  justice  too,  that  anybody  who  can  scrape  up 
enough  to  buy  three  machines  and  100  records  can 
get  into  the  game,  only  to  find  later  on  that  the 
same  degree  of  salesmanship  must  be  used  to  dis- 
pose of  them  as  is  required  of  any  other  line  of 
merchandise.  The  dealer  by  reason  of  his  incom- 
petency, loses  interest  and  wants  his  money,  which, 
more  times  than  otherwise  leads  to  price  cutting 
on  the  side,  and  in  doing  so,  completely  discourages 
the  good  dealer  who  has  spent  freely  of  his  time  and 
money  in  placing  the  proposition  on  a  safe  and  sane 
basis.  In  arguing  the  question  recently  with  a 
large  dealer  who  was  spending  in  advertising,  a 
large  percentage  of  his  earnings  from  that  depart- 
ment, said  "what  inducement  is  there  in  it  for  me 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JULY,  1914 


103 


to  carry  the  amount  of  money  that  1  have  in  these 
goods  and  to  continue  doing  so,  working  by  day 
in  demonstration  at  the  store,  and  by  nieht  in  the 
Lodge,  School  Room  or  Home,  only  to  find  that  by 
my  activity,  later  on,  I  have  excited  the  envy  and 
cupidity  of  some  competitor,  who  finds  the  field 
that  I  have  been  engaged  in  tilling,  looking  so  good 
that  when  I  should  be  harvesting  the  results  of  my 
labor,  he  steps  in  with  an  inconsequential  purchase 
of  three  machines  and  shares  with  me  the  results  of 
my  effort."  There  is  no  question  but  that  there  is 
little  incentive  to  first-class  dealers  carrying  com- 
plete stocks  unless  this  protection  is  afforded  them. 
I  have,  for  a  long  time,  advocated  definite  and 
positive  territorial  lines  for  both  Jobber  and  Dealer 
as  the  best  solution  of  this  question.  While  this 
need  not  involve  necessarily  an  exclusive  sale  pro- 
position in  the  literal  sense,  he  can  be  given  to 
understand  that  no  solicitation  for  business  will  be 
tolerated  in  his  prescribed  field.  I  would  go  even 
further  than  this  and  require  that  any  dealer  re- 
ceiving an  order  from  outside  the  territory  allotted 
to  him,  should  be  required  to  split  with  the  dealer 
from  whose  territory  the  order  came.  The  Vose 
Piano  Company  of  Boston,  has  been  working  this 
plan  for  years,  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  all  con- 
cerned. The  Automobile  industry  absolutely  pro- 
hibits a  sale  in  outside  territory  under  penalty  of 
forfeiture  of  contract.  While  right  in  the  family 
we  have  a  precedent  in  the  Dictating  Machine 
Machine  Department  requiring  all  work  done 
strictly  within  territorial  lines.  The  carrying  out 
of  such  a  proposition  would  tend  greatly  to  lessen 
the  number  of  dealers  and  Jobbers  but  would  get 
men  into  the  business  who  would  feel  justified  in 
carrying  large  stocks  and  would  stand  ready  and 
willing  to  spend  whatever  sum  in  reason,  was  neces- 
sary to  get  results.  They  want  to  feel  that  their 
investment  is  stable  and  that  the  risks  now  being 
run  by  reason  of  the  kind  of  competition  with  which 
they  have  to  contend,  is  done  away  with. 

The  Jobbers  territory  should  be  prescribed  in 
the  same  way,  by  placing  a  Jobber  in  complete  con- 
trol of  all  the  business  within  a  prescribed  field.  He 
being  on  the  ground,  is  in  a  far  better  position  than 
anyone  else,  as  to  the  desirability  of  an  applicant. 
By  holding  the  Jobber  to  a  strict  account  of  his 
territory  for  development,  it  is  up  to  that  Jobber 
to  either  improve  it  or  relinquish  the  field.  Most 
important  of  all  is  the  question  of  credits  which 
would  be  entirely  solved  were  territorial  lines 
placed  around  the  Jobber,  and,  in  this,  the  factory 
is  as  much  a  beneficiary  as  is  the  Jobber. 

We  all  know  of  the  kind  of  trade  that  gets  in  to 
the  limit  with  one  Jobber,  then  tries  Jobber  num- 
ber two  and  three,  until  each  have  credit  tied  up 
exceeding  many  times  the  dealer's  ability  to  pay — 
then  a  settlement  of  30  or  40  cents  on  the  dollar. 


A  dealer  knowing  that  he  must  pay  his  local  Jobber 
or  get  out  of  the  business,  will  see  to  it  that  his 
standing  on  the  books  is  all  that  the  credit  man  de- 
sires. The  Jobber,  when  he  lines  up  the  right  sort 
of  representation  in  his  field,  can  afford  to  extend 
every  bit  of  help  financially  within  the  range  of  his 
ability,  as  well  as  with  the  help  that  his  salesmen 
can  render,  without  feeling  that  just  as  soon  as  he 
has  developed  a  customer  worth  while,  he  loses  him 
to  some  other  Jobber  through  the  personality,  pos- 
sibly, of  some  first-class  salesman,  and  all  of  his 
days  and  nights  spent  in  developing  that  dealer  is 
lost. 

If  a  Jobber  in  automobiles  wants  to  buy  Ford 
Cars,  there  is  only  one  place  to  go.  Same  way  for 
the  Jobber  in  buying  Edison  Machines.  Why  not 
the  same  condition  for  the  dealer.  You  may  argue 
that  it  doesn't  seem  fair  or  good  business  to  ask 
a  dealer  to  buy  of  a  Jobber  if  the  service  rendered  is 
inadequate  or  if  possibly  the  Jobber  may,  at  the 
time  be  temporarily  out  of  the  goods  desired.  In 
this  regard,  I  would  put  it  up  to  the  next  nearest 
Jobber  to  fill  the  order  immediately,  charging  the 
Jobber  from  whose  territory  the  order  came,  the 
dealer's  discount.  He  thereby  secures  the  profit 
that  he  is  entitled  to  by  reason  of  his  having  the 
goods  and  the  Jobber  who  first  secured  the  order  is 
penalized  the  profit  by  reason  of  his  failure  to  supply 
the  order  promptly,  and  in  addition  carries  the  ac- 
count. This,  he  should  prefer  doing,  for  it  prevents 
a  good  customer  from  getting  on  another  Jobber's 
books  and  keeps  the  credit  standing  of  the  dealer 
wholly  within  his  hands. 

To  sum  up,  I  would  say  that  there  are  altogether 
too  many  small  stocks  in  the  field  and  we  can  never 
interest  capital  to  the  extent  that  we  should,  until 
they  can  be  given  a  definite  and  defined  territory 
to  work  in,  and  he  made  to  feel  that  in  due  time  all 
the  results  of  their  efforts  will  revert  to  them  and 
to  them  alone. 


CIGARETTES  NOT  TOLERATED! 

The  many  employes  of  the  Edison  laboratory 
have  had  their  attention  called  to  the  following  sign 
posted  conspicuously  throughout  the  extensive 
shop:— "Cigarettes  NOT  TOLERATED.  They  dull 
the  brain."  As  a  result  of  correspondence  with 
Henry  Ford,  the  Detroit  automobile  manufacturer, 
Mr.  Edison  decided  to  be  a  crusader  against  the 
cigarette.  At  the  request  of  Mr.  Ford,  Mr.  Edison 
made  an  analysis  of  at  least  twenty  brands  of  cigar- 
ettes. While  he  found  the  tobacco  contained  in 
them  was  of  all  qualities,  he  found  poisonous  matter 
in  all  the  papers  in  which  they  were  rolled.  Mr.  Edi- 
son said:  "That  poison  attacks  the  brain  and  works 
havoc  with  a  man's  mental  activity.  His  mind  be- 
comes clouded." 


104 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JULY,  1914 


ANNA  CASE 

The  Brilliant  American  Lyric-Soprano  of  the  Metropolitan 
Opera  House,  New  York 

Now  Under  Exclusive  Edison  Contract 


THOSE  who  follow  with  interest  the  im- 
portant events  of  the  musical  world  are 
familiar  with  the  fact  that  Andreas  Dippel 
in  the  Spring  of  1909,  upon  hearing  Anna  Case 
sing  at  a  Philadelphia  musicale  was  so  impressed 
by  her  voice  that  he  engaged  her  at  once  as  a 
member  of  the  Metropolitan  Opera  Company  of 
New  York.  At  this  time  Miss  Case  was  but 
twenty-one  years  of  age,  and  received  none  of 
the  backing  which  is  frequently  afforded  young 
singers.  She  had  completed  her  entire  musical 
education  in  New  York.  It  was,  therefore,  no 
small  triumph  for  this  comparatively  unknown 
girl  to  sing  her  way  into  one  of  the  most  famous 
musical   organizations  in  the  world. 

But  to  realize  that  the  honor  was  richly  de- 
served, one  need  but  hear  her  wonderful  soprano 
voice,  soaring  to  the  lofty  heights  of  F,  flowing 
smoothly,  sweetly,  with  never  an  effort.  Blessed 
with  rare  personal  charm  and  beauty,  Miss 
Case  embodies  in  her  work  a  boundless  and  un- 
usual appreciation  of  musical  values.  Her  voice, 
always  completely  under  control,  shows  the 
unmistakable  effect  of  intellectual  development 
on  the  part  of  the  singer;  one  feels  not  only  the 
appeal  to  the  senses  but  is  conscious  also  of  a 
mental  stimulus. 

Much  has  been  written  about  this  really 
remarkable  young  artist;  how  she  came  from 
a  humble  home  in  a  small  village  in  New  Jersey, 
where  her  father  is  a  blacksmith;  and  how  she 
decided  to  become  a  singer. 

The   absolute   and   undisputable  fact   remains, 


that  in  this  young  girl  has  come  forward  an 
artist  and  a  singer  out  of  the  ordinary;  one  who 
has  impressed  herself  in  the  most  emphatic  man- 
ner upon  all  who  have  heard  her,  and  who  has 
been  re-engaged  from  one  to  half  a  dozen  times 
in  every  place  she  has  sung. 

In  a  Sunday  night  concert  at  the 
Metropolitan  Opera  House  last  February,  to- 
gether with  some  of  the  company's  famous 
artists,  before  an  immense  audience,  she  won  a 
most  unusual  success,  being  recalled  again  and 
again.  More  recently  in  the  big  Swedish  music 
festival  at  Carnegie  Hall,  New  York,  May  28th, 
before  an  audience  of  nearly  four  thousand  peo- 
ple her  success  partook  of  a  real  ovation. 

The  qualities  that  have  made  all  this  possi- 
ble, are  first  of  all  a  beautiful  warm  lyric  soprano 
voice,  of  very  wide  range  (reaching  F  in  alt), 
ample  power,  an  extremely  musical  nature, 
which  have  all  been  carefully  and  artistically 
developed. 

Back  of  this  is  a  very  powerful  personality, 
that  shows  through  her  singing,  which  is  intense 
and  vivacious,  and  brings  the  message  of  her 
song  home  to  her  hearers,  plus  a  lovely  face,  a 
sylph-like  figure,  and  the  charm  and  enthusiasm 
of  youth. 

Miss  Case's  repertoire  is  extensive,  including 
among  other  opera  roles:  Michaela  in  "Carmen," 
Nedda  in  "Pagliacci,"  Gilda  in  "Rigoletto," 
Mimi  in  "La  Boheme,"  and  lesser  roles  in"Tann- 
hauser,"  "Lohengrin,"  "Werther,"  "Walkyrie," 
"Parsifal,"  and  a  large  list  of  arias,  songs,  bal- 
lads   and    a    number   of   the    standard    oratorios. 


SOME  OPINIONS  OF  THE  PRESS 


The  freshest  and  most  delightful  of  voices  is  that  of  Miss 
Anna  Case,  who  made  her  first  appearance  in  Pittsburg  at  last 
night's  concert.  Besides  having  a  lovely  voice,  Miss  Case  is  a 
beautiful  woman,  both  in  appearance  and  manners,  and  she 
was  enthusiastically  received. — Pittsburg  Dispatch. 

Miss  Case  possesses  an  unusual  range.  Her  low  tones  are 
beautifully  developed  and  the  writer  had  the  pleasure  and  as- 
tonishment of  hearing  her  privately  sing  the  scale  from  high  C 
upwards.  Her  voice  is  perfectly  placed,  she  possesses  unusually 
fine  diction,  and  a  natural  temperamental  delivery,  which  at 
once  thrills  and  captivates  her  audience.  Singing  of  such 
quality  has  rarely  been  heard  in  Pittsburg  concert  halls. — 
Spectator,  Pittsburg. 

Miss  Case  was  the  first  to  appear,  and  she  immediately  won 
the  hearts  of  every  one,  for  not  only  has  this  young  singer  a  most 


remarkable  voice,  but  she  has  the  gifts  of  youth,  beauty  and  a 
most  fascinating  personality.  Miss  Case  received  prolonged 
applause  after  every  number,  and  several  times  she  graciously 
rendered  a  second  number.  In  her  first  group  of  songs  the  range 
and  quality  of  her  voice  were  well  displayed,  and  in  all  her  work 
her  dramatic  interpretation  was  especially  delightful.  In  the 
aria,  Caro  Nome,  from  "Rigoletto,"  and  in  the  final  group  of 
songs  the  richness  and  resonance  of  the  beautifully  trained 
voice  were  again  manifested. — Press,  Utica,  N.  Y. 

"She  has  a  pure  soprano  voice  of  great  range  and  sweetness 
and  her  artistic  singing  is  supplemented  by  a  most  pleasing  and 
attractive  personality.  Her  tone  shading  was  delicate  and  effec- 
tive. Clear,  true  and  without  apparent  effort  her  voice  rose 
note  by  note  until,  with  a  wonderful  volume  and  sweetness  of 
tone  she  touched  and  held  the  E  above  high  C — the  note 
that  Tettrazini  is  so  proud  of." — The  Utica  (N.  Y.)  Observer. 


THE  DIAMOND  DISC 

Matters  of  Special  Interest  to  Disc  Jobbers  and  Dealers 

THE  EDISON  DIAMOND  DISC 

Its  Difference — Its  Superiority 

Why  it  Welcomes  Comparison 


THAT  the  Edison  Diamond  Disc 
bears  the  impress  of  a  master-mind 
in  acoustics  is  evident  to  everyone 
who  hears  it.  It  represents  the  mature  re- 
sults of  Mr.  Edison's  wonderful  inven- 
tive genius  in  perfectly  recording  and 
reproducing  sound. 

It  is  different  from  all  other  discs; 
It  is  Superior.  There's  a  reason  for 
every  difference  and  ample  ground  on 
which  to  sustain  the  claim  to  supe- 
riority. 

The  disc  itself,  for  instance,  is  thicker 
and  harder  than  any  other;  the  repro- 
ducer is  heavier;  the  tone  arm  is  car- 
ried across  the  face  of  the  record  not  by 
the  tracking  of  the  reproducer  point 
in  the  groove  of  the  record  (as  other 
discs  do)  but  by  its  own  mechanism; 
the  tone  arm  is  also  stoutly  reinforced  at 
certain  points. 

All  these,  and  many  more  differences, 
are  not  mere  "peculiarities"  but  the 
ultimate  results  of  exhaustive  experi- 
ments which  have  demonstrated  their 
desirability,  as  well  as  their  superiority, 
in  achieving  the  end  sought — perfect  re- 
production of  music. 

When  the  reason  for  these  exclusive 
features  is  pointed  out,  even  the  lay 
mind  readily  admits  their  significance 
and  importance.  Their  reason  seems 
transparent. 

When  one  sits  down  and  ponders  the 
matter,  a  feeling  of  satisfaction  comes 
over  him;  for  not  only  is  the  reason  itself 
clear,  but  the  marvelous  ingenuity  of  its 
inventor  comes  into  the  lime-light.  We 
marvel,  not  so  much  at  the  intricacy 
of  the  point  to  which  attention  is  called, 
as  at  its   simplicity.    "Why    of   course" 


one  exclaims;  and  that  seems  the  only 
conclusion  a  fair-minded  person  can  come 
to  when  a  superior  point  is  called  to  the 
attention.  And  yet  the  evolution  of 
that  perfected  point  involved  prodigious 
toil     and     almost     endless     experiment. 

It  is  our  purpose  shortly  to  take  up 
the  various  points  of  difference  and 
superiority  in  the  Edison  disc  and  ex- 
plain each  fully  and  clearly. 

But  while  we  are  discussing  mechani- 
cal and  technical  excellencies  in  the 
disc,  it  is  not  to  be  overlooked  that  the 
public  is  the  final  judge  of  the  quality 
of  music.  That  was  the  inventor's 
final  word  when  the  Disc  first  made  its 
appearance.  He  said  "Let  the  public 
hear  and  decide." 

On  the  following  pages  we  give  a  few 
of  many  hundred  occasions  on  which 
the  public  have  heard  and  decided.  We 
might  fill  books  with  such  experiences, 
for  they  are  of  daily  occurrence  from 
Maine  to  California.  It  is  notable  that 
in  some  instances  where  a  competitive 
disc  machine  had  been  practically  bought 
or  decided  upon,  the  decision  was  re- 
versed and  the  sale  not  consummated  on 
hearing  the  Edison  disc.  And  yet  in 
every  instance  this  was  wholly  the  work 
of  a  discriminating  public.  In  one  of 
the  cases  cited  a  curtain  hid  the  respec- 
tive machines  and  their  operators  from 
the  audience  so  that  the  decision  rested 
wholly  on  the  quality  of  the  music 
produced. 

Too  much  emphasis  cannot  be  placed 
upon  the  statement  that  the  Edison 
Disc  excels  because  it  is  the  product  of  a 
master-mind   in    acoustics. 


105 


106  EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JULY,  1914 


WHEN  THE  EDISON  DISC  IS  HEARD 
IN  COMPETITON 

A  Few  of  Many  Actual  Experiences 


W.  D.  Wilmot,  Fall  River,  Mass. 

No.  1.    AS  HEARD  IN 
MASSACHUSETTS 

MR.  W.  D.  WILMOT,  our  enterprising  repre- 
sentative at  Fall  River,  Mass.,  writes: — 

I  am  sure  you  will  be  interested  to  know  that  I 
won  out  again  with  the  Edison  Diamond  Disc 
Phonograph  in  an  unusually  fair  and  friendly 
competitive  demonstration  contest  with  one  of  the 
local  representatives  of  a  well-known  talking  ma- 
chine. 

This  time  the  prospective  buyer  was  one  of  the 
largest  and  most  prominent  of  the  Fall  River  public 
schools. 

The  school  in  question  has  been  considering  the 
matter  for  a  long  time  and  had  practically  decided 
to  buy  the  other  machine  of  me,  more  than  a  year 
ago,  when  I  carried  and  sold  all  makes,  and  having 
finally  appropriated  360  to  the  purchase  of  a  talk- 
ing machine,  the  principal  of  the  school  came  to  my 

store  to  buy  a ,  and  was  much  disappointed 

to  find  that  I  now  carry  Edisons  exclusively  and 
could  not  supply  the  other  make. 


He  wanted  me  to  have  the  business,  but  he  said 
that  a  number  of  the  other  teachers  in  his  school 
own  the  other  machine,  and  he  was  sure  they  would 
vote  to  buy  that  well-known  make,  and  that  two 
local  representatives  of  that  machine  were  doing 
all  in  their  power  to  have  it  adopted. 

However,  with  no  hope  of  changing  the  minds  of 
his  teachers,  or  of  persuading  them  to  spend  more 
than  the  360  appropriated,  I  prevailed  upon  him 
to  let  me  bring  an  380  Edison,  and  to  have  one  of 
the  dealers  in  the  other  well-known  make  bring  his 
machine,  so  that  both  might  be  heard  side  by  side. 

So  the  principal  talked  with  one  of  the  dealers 
in  the  other  make  and  it  was  arranged  that  one  of 
us  dealers  should  demonstrate  both  makes  on  one 
day,  and  the  other  dealer  demonstrate  both  makes 
on  the  next  day,  and  then  the  teachers  all  meet 
again  and  decide  by  vote. 

It  fell  to  my  lot  to  give  the  first  demonstration, 
and  I  began  by  telling  the  fourteen  teachers  pre- 
sent of  my  delicate  position  in  demonstrating  a 
competitor's  goods  with  my  own,  and  that  I  would 
try  not  only  to  be  fair,  but  to  be  more  than  fair  to 
my  friend,  and  competitor. 

I  asked  them  not  to  decide  for  my  sake,  or  for 
my  competitor's  sake,  and  not  to  be  influenced  by 
the  names  of  the  instruments;  the  names  of  the 
singers  or  players,  or  the  selections  to  be  played,  but 
only  by  the  tone  and  true  musical  quality,  and  by 
a  certain  feeling  and  expression  peculiar  to  Mr. 
Edison's  new  records,  which  no  other  maker  of  re- 
cords has  ever  succeeded  in  delivering  to  the 
buyer  of  records;  a  certain  something  which  is  more 
than  voice,  or  tone,  and  which  transcends  descrip- 
tion. 

I  told  them  that  by  means  of  many  new  and  secret 
methods  Mr.  Edison  has  put  the  phonograph  far  in 
advance  of  all  other  efforts  in  this  line,  and  that  he 
can  now  catch  and  record  and  deliver  to  the  buyer 
of  Edison  records  every  finest  detail  of  tone  and 
overtone — details  which  the  unaided  human  ear 
could  not  hear  in  any  concert  hall  or  opera  house. 

That  by  means  of  the  Edison  Phonograph  he  can 
bring  otherwise  inaudible  sounds  to  the  ear,  just 
as  a  good  telescope  can  bring  otherwise  unseen 
things  to  the  eye. 

I  suggest  to  these  school  teachers  that  as  the  in- 
strument to  be  chosen  by  them  was  for  the  musical 
education  of  their  pupils,  it  was  as  important  that 
they  provide  the  latest  and  truest  and  best  from  a 
musical  standpoint,  as  that  they  provide  and  use 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JULY,  1914 


107 


only  the  latest  and  the  truest  and  most  reliable  text 
books,  encyclopedias,  etc.,  and  that  they  should  re- 
member this  responsibility,  now  before  them. 

Asking  which  record  and  machine  they  would 
listen  to  first,  one  said  Edison.  So  for  my  first 
record  I  played  80118,  "Just  Before  the  Battle 
Mother,"  and  all  smiled  at  the  suggestiveness  of 
the  title,  but  this  record  shows  up  many  varieties 
of  sound  recording. 

Then  I  began  playing  the  choicest  of  the  grand 
opera  records,  sent  by  the  other  dealer;  first  on  his 
machine,  and  then  on  my  Edison,  explaining  to  the 
teachers  that  while  other  records  can  be  played  at 
their  best  on  the  Edison,  only  the  Edison  Diamond 
Reproducer  can  play  or  begin  to  do  justice  to  the 
Edison  disc  records. 

And  as  the  best  possible  way  to  compare  the  two 
machines  was  to  play  the  same  records  on  both 
machines,  I  played  more  of  the  other  make  than  of 
my  own. 

Occasionally  I  would  play  one  of  the  Edison's — 
just  enough  to  make  them  want  more — but  each 
time  I  played  one  of  my  competitor's  high-priced 
records  on  his  machine,  and  then  repeated  it  on  my 
Edison,  I  could  either  hear  remarks  and  expres- 
sions of  approval,  or  read  in  the  faces  of  the  teachers 
that  they  considered  the  Edison  reproduction  fully 
as  good,  if  not  better  than  the  other  reproduction, 
and  yet  my  competitor's  machine  was  fitted  with  a 
large  oak  horn  while  the  Edison  380  has  only  a  small, 
enclosed  horn. 

From  this  standpoint,  everything  was  in  favor  of 
the  other  machine,  in  so  far  as  being  the  best  of  its 
kind  is  concerned. 

For  nearly  two  hours  these  fourteen  teachers 
listened  carefully  to  all  I  had  to  say,  and  to  all 
the  records  I  could  play,  and  they  asked  a  good 
many  searching  questions,  and  I  closed  my  demon- 
stration by  playing  82049,  "The  Skylark"  after 
calling  their  attention  to  its  unapproachable  repro- 
duction of  the  highest  soprano  voice  known. 

But  my  trump  card  was  the  playing  of  the  other 
make  of  records  on  both  instruments,  and  the  fact 
that  only  the  Edison  can  do  this. 

And  I  closed  my  demonstration  with  a  suggestion 
to  the  teachers  that  while  they  had  limited  their 
appropriation  to  360  surely  they  could  not  fail  to 
see  that  it  would  be  wise,  and  a  good  investment  to 
add  320  to  their  appropriation  and  secure  the  in- 
strument of  the  future,  the  Edison  Phonograph, 
which  can  play  all  makes  of  records,  from  all  the 
catalogues  and  better  than  any  other  instrument 
can  play  them,  or  as  I  put  it,  ALL  THE  BEST  IN 
ONE. 

A  couple  days  later  sixteen  of  the  teachers  met 
and  listened  to  a  demonstration  given  with  the  same 
machines  and  the  same  records,  by  my.  competitor 
and  they  all  give  him  credit  for  having  been  as  fair 


and  considerate  of  my  side  as  I  had  been  of  his  side. 
And  feeling  friendly  toward  both  my  competitor 
and  myself,  it  was  more  difficult  for  them  to  decide. 

I  don't  know  much  about  what  he  said  or  did, 
but  things  began  to  look  encouraging  to  me,  after 
his  demonstration,  and  after  waiting  a  couple  of  days 
I  got  real,  official  notification  that  the  teachers  and 
almost  unanimously  decided  upon  the  Edison,  and 
a  check  for  380  was  handed  me. 

Perhaps  the  vote,  and  the  method  of  voting  will 
interest  you. 

Upon  a  sheet  of  paper  the  names  of  the  eighteen 
teachers,  in  that  school  were  written,  with  a  space 
after  the  names  in  which  to  write  the  name  of  the 
instrument  chosen. 

The  following  vote  was  then  recorded: 

Edison    12  votes. 

2  votes. 

2  teachers  (2)  did  not  vote  because  ab- 
sent at  first  meeting. 
2  teachers  non-committal. 

I  shall  not  do  any  crowing  about  this  in  my  ad- 
vertisements, because  of  the  nature  of  the  compe- 
tition, and  respect  for  the  feelings  of  my  competitor 
and  the  teachers  of  that  school. 

Another  large  local  school  has  been  influenced  by 
this  investigation,  and  the  principal  of  this  other 
school  has  called  and  told  me  that  in  the  fall  season 
his  school  will  probably  buy  a  3150  Edison,  and 
that  it  will  be  "Edison  or  none." 

No.  2.    AS  HEARD  IN  IOWA 

The  Masons  at  Red  Oak,  Iowa,  were  recently  in 
the  market  for  a  talking  machine  to  be  used  in  con- 
nection with  their  Lodge.  The  committee  appoint- 
ed to  investigate  the  merits  of  different  machines 
decided  on  a  novel  test.    They  requested    the  dealer 

who  handled  the  and  the  Edison  machines 

in  Red  Oak  to  each  bring  the  two  machines  up  to 
their  hall,  place  their  respective  machines  on  the 
stage,  draw  a  curtain  in  front  of  both  and  let  the 
members  of  the  Lodge  vote  on  the  merits  of  the 
music  they  heard  rather  than  on  the  machines 
themselves.    The  Edison  was  chosen   unanimously. 

The  Hawley  Music  Company  of  Red  Oak  handled 
this  demonstration  and  sold  the  Masons  a  3250 
Edison  Disc. 

No.  3.    AS  HEARD  IN  OHIO 

Out  in  Greenville,  Ohio,  the  senior  class  in  the 
High  School  decided  to  make  a  memorial  gift  to  the 
school,  and  a  phonograph  was  decided  to  be  the 
choice  of  the  entire  class.  As  to  the  make  of  pho- 
nograph they  were  very  much  undecided  but  after 
a  couple  of  demonstrations  given  before  the  class, 
in  the  Mozart  Department  Store  (The  Eikenberry  & 
Christopher  Co.)  of  that  city,  in  competition  with 
the machine,  the  Edison  Disc  (A  200)  was 


108 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JULY,  1914 


decided  upon  by  a  vote  of  38  for  the  Edison  and  5 
for  the  other  make  of  machine. 

The  incident  has  become  generally  known  among 
school  people  in  that  vicinity  and  the  prestige  of  the 
Edison  sale  is  such  that  Messrs.  Eikenberry  & 
Christopher  do  not  believe  much,  if  anything,  will 
be  heard  of  in  school  and  domestic  circles  about 
the  other  make  of  machine  in  the  future.  It  has 
done  more  than  any  other  one  thing  to  boom  Edison 
sales  and  Edison  popularity. 


No.  4.    AS  HEARD  IN   INDIANA 

Our  dealer  in  Lebanon,  Ind.,  W.  W.  Stevens, 
recently  placed  an  Edison  disc  phonograph  in  a 

school  in  his  city,  in  competition  to  a — .    The 

— ■ had  had  first  call,  and  after  he  gave  his  de- 


monstration, the  teachers  decided  to  put  it  to  a  vote 
as  to  which  machine  they  would  purchase.  The 
vote  came  out  238  for  the  Edison  and  36  for  the 

.     Needless   to   say,   Mr.    Stevens   got   the 

order    immediately. 


"DIAMONDS  IS  DIAMONDS" 

OUR  competitors,  like  ourselves,  have  a  license 
to  make  capital  of  their  opportunities.  We 
never  grudge  them  that  privilege.  When- 
ever and  wherever  they  can  find  something  of 
solace  among  our  depositions,  whether  such  be  in 
the  form  of  trade  literature  or  trade  confidences, 
they  have  our  permission,  if  they  want  it,  to  help 
themselves  to  a  generous  slice.  In  the  language  of 
the  vernacular  they  may  "go  to  it." 

In  the  April  Edison  Phonograph  Mdnthly  we 
cautioned  the  Edison  Trade  that  (to  use  the  expres- 
sion) "DIAMONDS  IS  DIAMONDS,"  and  pointed 
out  the  necessity  of  their  urging  upon  customers 
ordinary  care  in  the  handling  of  Diamond  Pointed 
Reproducers.  We  did  not  attempt  to  draw  any 
invidious  comparisons  between  the  Diamond  Point- 
ed Reproducer  and  its  venerable  forbear;  which, 
if  we  did,  would  be  the  "Unkindest  cut  of  all" — 
and  the  most  unnecessary. 

What  we  did  say  was  intended  for  dissemination 
by  the  Edison  Trade  among  our  friends,  the  pub- 
lic— with  the  idea,  however,  that  a  slightly  (?) 
different  construction  was  to  be  taken  from  it  than 
competitors  have  seen  fit  to  ordain. 

The  article,  we  note,  has  been  lifted  bodily  and, 
preceded  by  an  explanatory  (?)  preamble,  has  been 
heralded   far  and   wide   among  competitive   trade. 

Well,  it  wont  be  necessary,  perhaps,  because  of 
the  gratuitous  advertising  it  has  received,  to  em- 
phasize the  fact  that  we  are  interested  in  preserving 
the  poise  of  an  instrument  that  has  been  popularly 
accepted  as  a  real  factor  in  the  reincarnation  of  the 
phonographic  art. 

When  a  Big  Man  gets  his  "wheels  working"  and 
puts  something  into  an  art  that  belongs  there — 
but  wasn't  there  before — it's  to  be  expected  that  the 
impossibility  of  imitation  would  beget  consterna- 
tion and  attempted  depreciation;  but  tons  of  per- 
fectly good  paper  and  lashings  of  printers'  ink 
wont  conceal  the  fact  that  it's  there — and  the  public 
recognizes  the  fact. 

We  freely  and  frankly  admit  that  you  can't 
safely  use  an  Edison  Diamond  Pointed  Repro- 
ducer upon  an  Edison  Diamond  Disc  Record  with  the 


same  reckless  disregard  for  what  is  going  to  happen 
that  you  would  in  the  operation  of  a  horse  fiddle 
or  a  bassoon — you  can't  play  it  backward,  forward 
or  sideways,  a  la  Tango,  Hesitation  or  One-Step, 
and  still  expect  it  to  remain  a  musical  instrument. 
As  a  matter  of  fact,  some  care  has  to  be  exercised 
in  the  ordinary  use  of  a  diamond.  You  wouldn't 
think  for  instance,  of  violently  smashing  a  valuable 
diamond  ring  against  a  stone  wall  or  an  iron  fence 
or  of  using  it  to  cut  fancy  figures  on  window  panes. 


THE  EDISON  DISC  FURNISHES 
THE  MUSIC  AT  A  FUNERAL 

AS  often  happens  arrangements  for  music  at 
a  funeral  cannot  readily  be  made,  especially 
in  small  towns,  where  local  talent  is  not 
available,  or  of  very  inferior  quality.  Some  times 
the  musical  parts  of  the  services  are  not  provided 
for  owing  to  a  misunderstanding  as  to  the  one  on 
whom  such  duty  devolves.  Such  was  the  case  at 
Newton,  Iowa,  at  the  funeral  of  Mrs.  Melinda  R. 
Clements.  Owing  to  the  fact  that  her  son  was 
enroute  from  Helena,  Montana,  the  funeral  was  not 
held  until  Sunday.  It  was  at  the  last  moment 
learned  that  no  provision  had  been  made  for  the 
singing.  An  immediate  request  was  made  upon  a 
neighbor,  who  owned  an  Edison  Disc  Phonograph, 
for  the  loan  of  the  instrument,  an  A250  Model. 
This  was  readily  granted.  Three  selections  were 
rendered:  "Lead  Kindly  Light;"  "In  the  Sweet 
Bye  and  Bye,"  and  "One  Sweetly  Solemn  Thought." 
Everyone  commented  upon  the  clear,  even,  refined 
tone  of  the  music  and  the  natural  quality  of  the 
voices  heard.  All  were  unanimous  in  declaring  how 
much  prettier  and  more  acceptable  this  Disc  rend- 
ering of  these  appropriate  hymns  were  than  they 
could  possibly  have  been  sung  by  any  talent  that 
would  have  been  available  in  a  town  of  the  size  of 
Newton. 

Here  is  another  reason  why  churches  in  smaller 
towns  (as  well  as  in  cities)  should  own  an  Edison 
Disc.  It  would  readily  furnish  music  for  all  such 
occasions,  as  well  as  be  available  for  social  events 
held  in  the  church  parlors. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JULY,  1914  109 


BLAKE    &    BURKART  OPEN  A 
MOST  ATTRACTIVE  SALES 
ROOM  IN  PHILADELPHIA 

AFTER  a  combined  experience  of  over  twenty 
years  with  one  of  the  best  known  specialty 
companies  in  the  world — The  National  Cash 
Register  Company — Messrs.  Blake  and  Burkart 
severed  their  connection  with  that  firm  and  opened 
one  of  the  most  attractive  salesrooms  in  Philadel- 
phia at  1100  Walnut  Street,  where  they  handle  the 
Edison  Diamond  Disc  exclusively. 

Since  their  opening,  April  15th,  this  firm  has  done 
a  great  amount  of  newspaper  advertising  and  cata- 
logue distribution.  They  also  hold  recitals  each 
Monday  afternoon  from  three  to  four-thirty  which 
has  attracted  the  better  class  of  music  lovers  in 
Philadelphia.  The  entire  program  of  these  recitals 
is  published  in  the  Philadelphia  Sunday  papers 
regularly.  The  results  have  been  very  satis- 
factory to  the  new  firm  who  are  enthusiastic  about 
the  future  of  the  Edison  Diamond  Disc. 

The  salesroom  itself  is  equipped  with  every  con- 
venience and  comfort  that  the  most  exacting  cus- 
tomer could  desire  and  the  acoustics  are  wonder- 
fully good. 

The  sound-proof  demonstrating  rooms  and  fix- 
tures are  mahogany  throughout  and  the  color 
scheme  is  brown  and  green  with  semi-indirect 
lighting. 


Messrs.  Blake  and  Burkart  are  firm  believers  in 
up-to-date  methods  and  are  giving  their  window 
displays  considerable  attention.  They  realize  that 
the  calibre  of  their  business  place  is  judged  by  a 
large  percentage  of  people  through  what  they  see 
from  the  outside. 

If  clean  business  methods,  good  salesmanship, 
and  hard  work  count,  these  young  men  are  bound  to 
do  a  big  business  in  the  Edison  Diamond  Disc. 

Blake  &  Burkart  can  justly  claim  a  fully  up-to- 
date  Edison  phonograph  establishment — a  place 
where  cusomers  can  come  and  hear  the  disc  under 
the  same  quiet,  refined  surroundings  as  their  own 
home. 


PROFESSOR   DE    CHAUVENET 
PRAISES  THE  DISC 

"Having  recently  heard  the  Overture  from 
Mignon  on  the  new  Edison  Disc  Phonograph,  I 
became  so  enthusiastic  over  the  perfection  of 
the  music,  that  I  cannot  refrain  from  writing 
the  actual  fact  that  the  record  was  clearer  and 
more  vividly  realistic  to  me  than  an  actual 
rendition  which  I  chanced  to  hear  at  the  Opera 
Comique  at  Paris  last  September.  I  wish  the 
Edison  Disc  continued  appreciation  for  its 
grand  work. — Paul  de  Chauvenet  Dean  of  the 
De  Chauvenet  Conservatory  of  Music,  Los  Ange- 
les, Cal. 


110 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JULY,  1914 


To  Edison  Disc  Jobbers  and  Dealers: 

Our  attention  has  been  called  to  a  circular  issued  by  the  Victor  Talking  Ma- 
chine Co.,  under  date  of  May  20th,  1914,  and  addressed  "To  the  Trade."  It  contains 
a  statement  to  the  effect  that  the  disc  phonographs  and  attachments  for  playing 
lateral  cut  records  put  out  by  this  Company  are  infringements  of  three  United  States 
Patents  upon  which  suit  has  been  brought  against  this  Company  in  the  United 
States  District  Court  for  the  Southern  District  of  New  York. 

We  wish  to  assure  the  trade  that  a  careful  axamination  of  these  three  patents 
has  been  made  by  our  Patent  Counsel  and  that  in  his  opinion  there  is  no  basis  what- 
ever for  any  charge  of  infringement  by  reason  of  the  use  or  sale  of  our  apparatus. 
Jobbers  and  Dealers  should  not  be  alarmed  or  misled  by  any  circularized  state- 
ments of  this  character  and  in  case  of  any  suit  being  brought  against  them  or  of  any 
threats  being  made  they  should  immediately  communicate  with  us.  We  stand  ready 
to  assume  the  defense  of  any  patent  suit  brought  against  any  jobber,  dealer  or  user 
based  upon  the  sale  or  use  of  any  of  our  disc  phonograph  apparatus. 

Yours  very  truly, 

THOMAS   A.    EDISON,    INCORPORATED, 

C.  H.  WILSON,  Vice  President 
Orange,  N.  J.,  May  26th,  1914. 


AN  ORCHESTA  LEADER  AND 

VIOLIN  TEACHER  PRAISES 

THE  DISC 

Leo  B.  Shoob,  the  leading  violin  teacher  at  Fall 
River,  Mass.,  and  conductor  of  the  Savoy  Theatre 
Orchestra  in  that  city,  thus  [writes  enthusiastically 
about  the  Edison  disc  to  Mr.  W.  D.  Wilmot,  the 
exclusive  Edison  dealer  there: — 

"As  you  will  remember,  I  have  listened  to  the 
new  Edison  Diamond  Disc  Records  in  your  store, 
a  number  of  times,  and  have  told  you  over  and 
over  that  I  consider  it  far  ahead  of  all  others. 

"Each  time  I  hear  one  of  the  new  Edison  Disc 
Records  I  more  fully  realize  how  fully  and  truly 
it  reproduces  all  the  overtones,  or  tone-colors;  how 
rich  it  is  in  shading,  sentiment  and  expression,  and 
how  true  to  time  and  tone,  or  pitch. 

"As  a  teacher  of  real,  true  music  in  the  home,  to 
children  or  others,  there  is  no  single  instrument,  and 
there  is  no  individual  music  teacher  who  can  bring 
so  much  of  all  that  is  best,  to  the  ear  that  is  hungry 
to  learn. 

"The  piano  teacher  can  bring  piano  music;  the 
vocal  teacher  can  bring  song;  the  violin  teacher  can 
bring  violin  music,  etc.,  but  the  the  new  Edison 
Diamond  Disc  Phonograph  can  bring  all  the  best 
music  any  teacher  can  bring;  all  the  disc  records  any 


other  instrument  can  bring,  to  any  home,  at  any 
time,  and  it  can  even  teach  the  teachers  of  music 
if  they  are  willing  to  listen  and  to  learn. 

"I  am  glad  to  give  you  this  written  testimony  re- 
garding its  excellence,  and  I  congratulate  you  upon 
having  the  sale  of  a  musical  instrument  so  surpas- 
singly superior  to  any  in  its  class. 

"Rest  assured  that  you  will  have  a  large  and  in- 
creasing demand  for  them  when  the  discriminating 
public  once  learns  and  knows  how  far  it  is  in  the 
lead." 

THE  EDISON  DISC  AND  A  HIGH- 
GRADE  PIANO  GO  HAND  IN  HAND 

In  Detroit,  Frank  J.  Bayley,  President  of  the 
Detroit  Music  Trades  Association  and  a  well-known 
retailer  of  pianos,  recently  took  on  the  Edison  Disc. 
He  makes  this  statement,  which  is  indicative  of 
the  sentiments  of  all  Piano  Houses  taking  up  the 
Edison  Disc:  "This  does  not  mean  that  we  shall 
do  any  less  piano  business.  It  means  only  that  we 
intend  to  sell  Edison  phonographs  to  people  who 
think  that  pianos  cost  a  little  too  much  for  them. 
The  relative  prices  of  pianos  and  phonographs  are 
such  that  there  is  no  competition  between  the  two 
lines,  and  they  go  hand  in  hand  as  music  trade 
assets.  I  think  we  have  made  a  good  move  in  ex- 
pan  ding." 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JULY,  1914 


111 


Full  Car  of  Edison  Discs  Leaving  the  Factory  Enroute  to  Iowa 

IOWA  GROWING  CAR-LOT  ORDERS 


"    TOW  A  does  things."  Out  there  they  get  the  right 

j£  kind  of  corn,  wheat,  oats;  then  they  plant  and 
cultivate  them  on  an  extensive  scale.  The  im- 
portant point  with  Iowa  is  to  be  convinced  that  the 
seed  is  genuine  and  well  worth  planting;  car-load 
orders  follow. 

This  is  true  not  only  in  agricultural  products  and 
implements,  but  in  merchandise  as  well.  The  aver- 
age Iowa  farmer  or  citizen  takes  time  to  consider 
carefully;  but  once  convinced,  he  orders  liberally. 

Harger  &  Blish,  our  enterprising  jobbers  in  "Des 
Moines — Does  Things."  understand  this  peculiarity 
of  their  location  perfectly.  They  have  been  willing 
to  work  quietly  and  persistently,  sowing  the  good 
seed,  and  biding  their  time  for  a  harvest.  They 
have  adopted  a  campaign  of  information  and  dem- 
onstration and  have  gone  about  this  in  a  large- 
hearted,  noble-minded  manner;  not  nervous  over 
immediate  results,  but  confident  in  the  ultimate 
intelligent  appreciation  of  the  people  they  serve. 
As  a  consequence  of  this  policy  they  are  believers 
in  large  general  publicity. 

We  mention  this  particularly  at  this  time  as  a 
partial  explanation  of  how  they  "grow"  these  car- 
lot  orders.  They  have  scattered  the  good  seed  with 
liberal  hand  far  and  wide;  they  have  "done  things" 
on  a  generous  but  a  carefully  planned  "big  harvest" 
idea.  And  now  they  are  reaping  in  the  same  manner 
as  they  have  sown.  It  takes  nerve  and  it  takes 
money  to  do  this,  but  the  calibre  of  a  House  is 
clearly  shown  by  such  a  course  and  its  growth  is  cor- 
respondingly steady  and  certain. 

New  Hampton,  Iowa,  where  the  present  car  load 
of  Edison  Diamond  Discs  have  gone,  is  a  small 
town  of  2362  population.    In  this  respect  it  is  about 


the  same  size  as  Elkader,  Iowa,  where  a  car  load  was 
shipped  last  Fall  to  our  dealer  there,  George  J. 
Lenth,  by  order  of  Harger  &  Blish. 

The  present  order  from  A.  D.  Smith  at  New 
Hampton,  consists  entirely  of  the  larger  Disc  instru- 
ments. This  reflects  much  credit  upon  the  sales- 
man's ability,  Mr.  H.  Harger  Blish,  Jr.,  who  se- 
cured the  order.  It  also  reflects  good  judgment  on 
the  part  of  the  consignee  who  has  interpreted  the 
needs  of  his  clientele  for  the  better,  or  higher  priced, 
Disc  models. 

There  is  much  in  these  car-load  shipments  to 
an  individual  dealer  that  ought  to  awaken  the  in- 
terest of  jobbers  and  dealers  everywhere.  If  one 
dealer  in  a  small  Iowa  town  of  2000  has  nerve 
enough  to  order  all  high-priced  discs  by  the  car-load, 
why  cannot  the  dealers  more  favorably  located  in 
our  larger  cities  do  the  same?  Is  it  not  a  matter 
largely  of  organization  and  of  liberal  advertising? 
Is  it  not,  too,  a  matter  of  convincing  a  single  dealer 
that  he  can  do  better  to  order  in  car-loads.  The  ex- 
pense of  securing  the  order,  the  expense  of  ship- 
ping it,  and  the  consequent  satisfaction  of  being 
able  to  make  immediate  deliveries  to  individual  pur- 
chasers right  from  a  dealer's  own  place  of  business, 
are  important  considerations.  Many  a  sale  is  lost 
because  a  dealer  cannot  make  shipment  the  day 
the  prospect  decides  on  a  machine.  "Strike  while 
the  iron  is  hot;"  deliver  the  same  day  a  prospect 
decides.  Then  you  will  have  no  regrets.  To  be  able 
to  do  so,  carry  a  complete  line;  order  in  car-load  lots. 

Iowa  is  still  growing  more  car-lot  disc  orders.  We 
are  assured  of  several  that  are  almost  ripe  enough  to 
pluck,  and  these  will  arrive  in  due  time.  "The 
more  the  merrier." 


112 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JULY,  1914 


EXPLANATORY  LECTURE  FOR 
DISC  RECORD 

No.  82017 

Mein  Leiber  Schwan  {Lohengrin) 

Jacques  Urlus 

THE  opening  scene  of  "Lohengrin"  is  in  Bra- 
bant, on  the  banks  of  the  Scheldt — that  same 
river  which  today  flows  through  the  city  of 
Antwerp.  Elsa,  an  orphan  under  the  care  of  Count 
Frederic  of  Telramund,  has  been  falsely  accused 
of  the  murder  of  her  brother.  Elsa  dreams  of  a 
knight,  clad  in  shining  armour,  leaning  on  his 
sword,  come  to  her  from  heaven,  promising  help. 
According  to  the  custom  of  the  time,  her  guilt  can 
be  decided  only  by  a  trial  by  combat.  Elsa  believes 
the  Knight  of  her  vision  will  champion  her  if  he  is 
summoned.  The  challenge  is  blared  forth  by  the 
trumpeters,  and  behold,  from  up  the  River  there 
comes  a  boat  drawn  by  a  swan,  and  in  that  boat,  a 
Knight  in  sparkling  silver  armour,  leaning  on  his 
sword — the  very  Knight  of  Elsa'a  vision.  In  the 
ensuing  combat,  the  stranger  is  victorious,  and 
Elsa's  hand  is  bestowed  upon  him.  But  there  is  one 
essential  condition,  and  upon  that  the  entire  drama 
turns.  Elsa  must  never  ask  his  name  to  whom  he 
owes  his  birth,  nor  the  country  from  whence  he 
came.  She  becomes  his  bride.  Now  comes  the 
crisis  of  the  drama.  Elsa's  womanly  curiosity  and 
doubts  cannot  be  subdued.  "How  am  I  to  know," 
she  cries,  "that  the  swan  will  not  come  some  day 
as  mysteriously  as  before,  and  take  my  beloved  from 
my  arms?"  Lohengrin  vainly  tries  to  calm  her,  but, 
in  her  frenzied  excitement  she  puts  the  fatal  ques- 
tion; "Speak!  who  then  art  thou?  Tell  me  what 
is  thy  name?  Whence  then,  hast  thou  come?  What 
is  thy  rank?"  Elsa  has  broken  her  vow;  the  spell 
has  vanished;  the  evil  is  irreparable.  Lohengrin 
publicly  answers  her  questions.  "In  reward  of  her 
mistrust's  wild  request,  let  now  the  answer  no 
longer  be  kept  back;  my  name  and  being  I  must  now 
declare."  He  then  tells  of  the  Sanctuary  of  Mont- 
salvat  and  its  Brotherhood  of  Knights;  how  on 
their  missions  the  power  of  the  Grail  is  with  them, 
but  should  their  names  be  revealed  they  must 
either  lose  that  power  or  else  return  to  the  Temple. 
"Now  hear  how.  I  reward  forbidden  questions,"  he 
goes  on.  "The  Grail  it  was  that  sent  me  here  to 
you.  My  father  Parsifal  wears  its  crown.  Its 
Knight  am  I,  and  Lohengrin  my  name,"  The  se- 
cret is  out,  Elsa  has  erred,  and  Lohengrin  must 
leave  her.  The  swan  appears  once  more  with  the 
boat,  and  the  Knight,  bidding  farewell  to  his  bride, 
sadly  takes  his  departure. 

The  record  starts  at  the  arrival  of  Lohengrin  in 
answer  to  the  trumpet  call  of  challenge.  As  he 
steps  out  of  the  boat,  before  the  wondering  as- 
semblage of  nobles,   and   the   trembling  Elsa,   he 


calmly  turns  to  caress  the  swan,  and  sings  this  mel- 
ody— "I  give  thee  thanks  my  faithful  swan!  Turn 
thee  again  and  breast  the  tide;  return  unto  that 
land  of  dawn,  where  joyous  we  did  long  abide." 
The  swan  slowly  disappears,  and  Lohengrin  pro- 
ceeds with  his  defense  of  Elsa. 

The  story  of  "Lohengrin"  is  as  old  as  the  thir- 
teenth century,  and  exists  in  many  forms.  The 
old  Celtic  legend  of  King  Arthur  and  his  Knights 
of  the  Holy  Grail  are  mixed  up  with  the  purely 
German  myth  of  the  knight  who  arrives  in  a  boat 
drawn  by  a  swan. 

The  Holy  Grail  is  the  vessel  in  which  Joseph  of 
Arimathea  caught  the  last  drops  of  Christ's  blood 
upon  the  cross.  It  is  in  the  keeping  of  Parsifal, 
the  Lord  of  the  sacred  palace  of  Montsalvat,  whose 
son  Lohengrin  is.  To  illustrate  the  symbolism  of 
the  tradition  we  may  consider  the  Holy  Grail  as  the 
fountain  of  divine  love.  Its  Knights  are  sent  to 
shed  some  of  that  love  on  earth  by  redressing  wrongs 
and  fostering  righteousness.  But  they  may  dwell 
only  where  there  is  purity  of  heart  and  perfect  faith 
in  their  power.  Elsa,  at  first  trustful,  becomes  sus- 
picious and  doubtful  of  Lohengrin,  and  therefore 
loses  him.  It  is  the  lesson  of  salvation  through  faith 
which  has  been  the  foundation  of  every  religion 
through  the  ages. 

A  word  regarding  Jacques  Urlus,  the  great  Ger- 
man tenor,  will  not  be  out  of  place.  He  is  chiefly 
noted  for  his  portrayals  of  the  tenor  parts  of  Wag- 
ner's operas.  He  has  sung  Lohengrin  in  many 
notable  productions,  and  his  interpretation  of  the 
part  is  accepted  as  being  a  masterful  one  in  every 
way. 

SPALDING'S    RECORDS 
BLUE  AMBEROL  RECORDS 

Albert  Spalding  the  noted  violinist  is  now 
under  exclusive  Edison  contract.  The  Blue  Am- 
berol  Disc  Records  are  certainly  superb. 
28102  Meditation — Thai's  {Massenet)  Piano  accom- 
paniment by  Benoist 
28106  Ave  Maria  {Bach-Gounod)  with  solo  in  Latin 
by  Marie  Rappold 

DISC  RECORDS 
80071  Souvenir  of  Moscow — Russian  Airs 

{Wieniawski);  Traumerei  {Schumann) 
82043   (a)  Meditation— Thais  {Massenet) 

(b)  Rondo  Capriccioso  {Saint-Saens) 

82046  (a)  Hungarian  Dance  No.  7  {Brahms- 
Joachim) 

(b)  Schon  Rosmarin  {Kreisler) 

(c)  L'Arlesienne — Suite — Intermezzo  {Bizet) 

82047  (a)  Cavatina  {Raff) 

(b)  Humoresque  {Dvorak) 

82048  (a)     Hungarian     Dance     No.     5     {Brahms- 
Joachim) 

{ b)  Polonaise  in  A  {Wieniawski) 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JULY,  1914 


113 


AN  EDISON'S  PART 
ON  PATRIOTIC  OCCASIONS 

FOURTH  of  July  and  in  fact  all  patriotic  oc- 
casions afford  the  enterprising  Edison  dealer 
a  grand  opportunity  to  push  the  Edison.  His 
store,  and  particularly  his  window,  should  show  a 
patriotic  aspect,  which  can  readily  be  done  at  small 
expense,  using  the  American  flag  freely. 

The  above  illustration  shows  how  one  Edison 
representative.  Mrs.  C.  W.  Friend,  of  Carson  City, 
Nevada,  utilized  the  stage  at  a  Concert  and  Dance 
held  in  the  State  Armor}-  of  her  city.  In  this  in- 
stance the  Edison  Phonograph  was  loaned  for  the 
purpose,  and  the  program  Loth  concert  and  dance, 
was  furnished  with  music  by  the  Edison. 

It  was  a  swell  affair  throughout  and  the  publicity 
thus  secured  has  redounded  to  Mrs.  Friend's  finan- 
cial advantage,  for  several  sales  have  been  effected 
and  an  number  of  choice  prcspects  secured. 

It  takes  very  little  time  or  effort  to  secure  these 
advantages   and   they  well   repay  the  effort  made. 

BLUE  AMBEROLS  ARE  NEVER 
"SNOW  BOUND"  IN  COLORADO 

Park  Count}-,  Colorado,  boasts  of  an  energetic 
Edison  salesman  whom  the  snow  three  to  five  feet 
deep  does  not  prevent  from  reaching  the  farmers 
far  out  on  the  mountains.  So  anxious  are  the  far- 
mers to  have  the  "Phonograph  Wagon"  come  that 
they  patronize  it  liberally.  J.  D.  Williams  has 
operated  all  winter  and  brought  good  cheer  to  the 
lonely  farmers,  snow  bound,  who  play  Blue 
Amberols  while  the  winter  winds  howl  and  the 
snow  drifts  over  their  chimney  tops.  The  Williams 
Phonograph  Co.  of  Pueblo  are  certainly  energetic. 


A  NOVELTY  IN  RECORD 
MAKING 

ONE  record  in  the  list  of  those  for  September, 
given  in  this  issue,  calls  for  particular  men- 
tion because  it  marks  a  rather  new  depart- 
ure in  record  making,  for  seldom,  if  ever  before,  has 
a  vocal   obligato   been  made  a  feature  of  a  record. 

"The  Rose  of  the  Mountain  Trail"  is  the  compo- 
sition of  James  A.  Brennan;  the  words  are  by  Jack 
Caddigan.  Both  of  these  writers  are  well  known 
in  the  field  of  popular  songs. 

This  charming  obligato,  as  sung  by  Clementine 
de  Yere,  is  the  work  of  a  member  of  the  staff  of  the 
Edison  Recording  Laboratory.  It  is  especially 
pretty  and  gives  very  novel  effects  of  harmony. 

Clementine  de  Yere  was,  a  few  years  ago,  a  very 
well-known  concert  and  oratorio  singer  in  the  United 
States.  Recently  she  sang  the  soprano  part  of  the 
famous  Beethoven  Mass  with  the  New  York  Ora- 
torio Society.  This  music  is  so  difficult  to  sing  that 
only  two  or  three  sopranos  in  America  have  ever 
been  able  to  achieve  it.  Miss  de  Vere's  singing  was 
so  notable  that  it  attracted  the  attention  of  many 
of  the  musical  authorities  and  she  was  highly  praised 
for  her  performance.  On  this  record  her  voice  blends 
with  that  of  Yernon  Archibald  beautifully,  making 
"The  Rose  of  the  Mountain  Trail"  a  selection  that 
is  bound  to  become  a  favorite  with  Edison  owners. 
Record  2388. 


A  CORRECTION 

In  form  2612,  a  six-page  folder  in  red  and  black 
of  "Edison  Diamond  Amberolas,"  in  describing 
Amberolas  VI,  VIII  and  X  we  said  each  had  "auto- 
matic stop."  This  was  a  mistake;  only  Amberolas 
I,  III  and  V  are  so  equipped. 


114 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JULY,  1914 


SELLING   EDISON   PHONOGRAPHS  IN  THE 

GREAT  WHEAT-FIELDS 

OF  NORTHWESTERN   CANADA 

By  O.  Wagner,  Manager  of  R.  S.  Williams  Sons  &  Co. 
Winnipeg  Branch,  Winnipeg,  Manitoba 


THE  successful  marketing  of  Edison  products 
in  Manitoba  and  Saskatchewan,  offers  some 
very  perplexing  problems,  and  the  peculiar 
conditions  under 
which  we  are  op- 
erating possibly 
place  your  West- 
ern Canadian  re- 
presentative in  a 
position  unique 
among  Edison 
jobbers. 

As  is  probably 
known,  we  handle 
Edison  goods  as 
jobbers  in  connection  with  our  well-known  line  of 
Musical  Instruments  and  Sundries,  and  sell  to  the 
trade  by  mail  and  through  our  travellers. 

Picture  to  one's  self  a  tract  of  undulating  country 
extending  approximately  six  hundred  miles  west 
of  Winnipeg  and  averaging  three  hundred  miles 
north  from  the  International  boundary,  which 
might  almost  be  described  as  one  vast  grain- 
field,  and  you  have  an  idea  of  the  size  of  your  terri- 
tory. In  this  vast  territory  the  cities  of  30,000  or 
more  can  be  counted  on  the  fingers  of  one  hand, 
while  towns  of  5,000  and  over  may  number  ten,  and 
from  these  facts  it  will  readily  be  seen  that  our 
travellers'  work  is  nearly  all  confined  to  small 
towns  of  from  25  to  1,000  inhabitants.  This  might 
give  the  impression  that  business  would  be  poor, 
but  very  often  quite  the  contrary  is  the  result,  and 
we  will  give  two  cases  in  point  taken  from  many 
instances  of  the  same  kind. 

Some  time  ago  an  Edison  representative  was  driv- 
ing across  country  to  make  connections,  in  northern 
Manitoba,  when  for  some  reason,  he  was  compelled 
to  stay  over  night  at  a  small  village  consisting  of 
a  grain  warehouse,  general  store,  black- 
smith's shop  and  four  or  five  houses  with  a  total 
population  of  about  twenty  souls.  While  prepar- 
ing to  make  the  best  of  it  for  the  night,  he  was  asked 
by  the  proprietor  of  the  store  to  set  up  and  opera'te 
his  sample  machine  for  the  amusement  of  a  few 
customers  who  had  come  in  from  the  surround- 
ing farms.  This  he  did,  and,  as  a  result,  secured  a 
most  unexpected  initial  order,  and  that  merchant 
developed  into  a  most  successful  phonograph  dealer, 


selling  over  twenty  machines  and  hundreds  of  re- 
cords during  his  first  year's  business. 

Last  June  a  young  druggist  chose  a  location  on 
the  line  of  survey  of  a  new  branch  railway  in  Sas- 
katchewan, nearly  one  hundred  miles  ahead  of 
steel  and  thirty  miles  from  the  nearest  railway 
town.  All  goods  and  building  material  had  to  be 
hauled  thirty  miles  by  team,  but  in  spite  of  that  a 
town  sprang  up  there  as  if  by  magic.  This  young 
man  secured  the  Edison  dealership  and  in  the  first 
three  months,  bought  and  sold  Edison  goods  to  the 
value  of  over  six  hundred  dollars  at  wholesale 
prices,  and  his  business  is  still  increasing  by  leaps 
and  bounds. 

These  are  instances  of  the  courage,  foresight  and 
good  judgment  of  the  men  who  are  building  up 
business  in  this  territory. 

One  dealer,  who  handles  enormous  quantities  of 
Edison  goods,  keeps  his  town  store  as  his  base  of 
supplies  and  leaves  it  in  his  wife's  charge.  He  loads 
up  a  big  wagon  with  Phonographs  and  Records  and 
goes  on  selling  trips  among  settlers  remote  from  the 
railway  and,  when  sold  out,  makes  for  the  nearest 
railway  point  and  wires  his  wife  for  another  load  to 
come  down  to  him  by  train,  and  on  its  arrival  he  is 
off  again  and  returns  in  a  few  weeks,  completely 
sold  out,  and  with  a  handsome  net  profit  for  the  trip. 

A  dealer  at  "Le  pas,"  "the  farthest  north"  by 
rail  at  present,  makes  a  specialty  of  selling  to  trap- 
pers who  go  into  the  far  north  fur-hunting,  and, 
feeling  the  need  of  music  in  the  wilderness,  pack 
their  phonograph  with  their  supplies  in  their  frail 
canoes,  and,  though  it  occupies  valuable  space,  they 
cannot  be  induced  to  leave  it  behind. 

Through  one  of  the  large  fur-trading  Companies 
we  sell  Edison  goods  which  go  to  their  stations 
through  the  great  north  country  of  the  Peace  River 
and  on  the  shores  of  Hudson  Bay,  and  the  Edison 
Phonographs  may  justly  be  called  the  pioneer  of 
music  in  this  territory. 

From  the  foregoing  it  will  be  seen  that  our  or- 
ganization is  reaching  the  remotest  parts  of  our 
territory,  while  live  dealers  are  on  the  alert  at  all 
times  in  the  more  central  parts.  Many  dealers  keep 
mailing  lists  of  owners  and  prospects  which  are 
circularized  regularly,  and  have  autos  or  rigs  in 
which  they  bring  their  prospects  in  or  take  machines 
out  to  the  homes  for  demonstration  purposes. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JULY,  1914 


115 


Western  dealers,  as  a  rule,  are  very  aggressive  and 
we  try  to  give  them  efficient  service  and  second 
their  efforts  in  every  way,  so  as  to  encourage  them 
to  make  even  greater  advances,  and,  by  their  suc- 
cess, encourage  any  who  may  become  fainthearted. 

By  far  our  most  perplexing  problem  is  the  matter 
of  credit.  The  enormous  railway  development  of 
the  last  few  years  has  caused  the  appearance  of 
hundreds  of  new  towns  and  villages  each  season.  In 
each  of  these  towns  new  businesses  are  commenced. 
A  great  many  of  them  want  our  goods  in  connection 
with  their  other  lines.  Possibly  50%  of  them  will 
be  successful  and  develop  into  good  dealers.  The 
balance  will  be  failures,  at  least  in  their  first  loca- 
tion. Our  problem  is  to  judge  the  conditions  sur- 
rounding each  of  these  towns  as  it  springs  up  like 
a  mushroom,  and  to  separate  the  wheat  from  the 
chaff,  as  it  were.  It  is  a  mighty  problem,  and  only 
external  vigilance  can  solve  it. 

The  credit  problem  connects  itself  with  the  older 
localities  also,  for  the  reason  that  this  is  essentially 
a  wheat-producing  country  and  business  is  bad  or 
good  according  to  the  success  or  otherwise  of  the 
grain  crop.  Conditions  may  seem  excellent  up  till 
the  beginning  of  harvest  late  in  August,  and  then 
a  severe  hail-storm,  or  one  night's  frost  may  cut 
down  the  value  of  the  crop  by  50%. 

These  conditions  are,  of  course,  more  or  less  local 
but  all  have  their  effect  on  the  general  volume  of 
business  and  form  part  of  the  risks  under  which  re- 
tailers and  wholesalers  are  operating.  Losses  from 
this  source  are  aggravated  by  the  fact  that  mixed 


farming  is  not  practiced  to  a  great  extent  and  noth- 
ing else  is  produced  largely  enough  to  make  up  for 
the  loss  of  revenue  caused  by  a  failure  of  the  grain 
crop. 

It  is  a  most  inspiring  sight,  at  harvest  time,  to 
travel  hundreds  and  hundreds  of  miles  through 
field  after  field,  and  to  see  the  enormous  tractors 
drawing  strings  of  self  builders  harvesting  the  grain 
crop,  and  countless  numbers  of  threshing  outfits, 
operated  by  steam  or  gasoline  engines,  from  which 
a  golden  stream  of  grain  comes  forth  ready  to  be 
shipped  to  the  great  milling  centers,  in  return  for 
which  millions  of  dollars  find  their  way  into  the 
purses  of  the  western  farmers,  and  by  them  are  put 
into  circulation  for  the  up-building  of  business  enter- 
prizes  in  their  midst. 

Three  great  railway  systems  traverse  the  terri- 
tory from  West  to  East,  and  it  taxes  their  resources 
to  the  utmost  to  transport  the  grain  which  is  pro- 
duced from  a  good  crop  in  the  limited  time  in  which 
it  is  necessary  this  should  be  done,  if  best  results  are 
to  be  obtained. 

The  development  of  Western  Canada  is  still  in  its 
infancy,  and  the  time  is  not  far  distant,  when  its 
present  enormous  production  of  grain,  which  is 
synonymous  of  business,  will  drop  into  insignifi- 
cance by  comparison,  and  we  may  rest  assured  that 
the  Edison  line  is  so  well  and  favorably  known  that 
it  will  develop  with  the  territory,  until  this  will  be 
looked  upon  as  one  of  the  most  important  districts 
for  the  exploitation  of  Edison  products. 


BUMPER  WHEAT  CROP  IN  SIGHT  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES 

THE  man  who  cannot  find  good  business  cheer  in  the  June  crop  report  of  the  United  States  depart- 
ment of  agriculture  must  indeed  be  a  pessimist.  Nine  hundred  million  bushels  of  wheat  will  be 
harvested  in  the  United  States  within  the  next  sixty  days  if  the  government  forecast  is  fulfilled.  This 
is  a  hundred  and  thirty-seven  million  bushels  more  than  has  ever  been  harvested  in  this  country  before,  and 
it  is  one-half  of  the  world's  average  wheat  crop.  The  possibilities  of  the  marketing  of  such  a  crop  are  suffi- 
cient to  overshadow  the  disturbing  elements  in  the  business  situation  and  to  give  rise  to  anticipation, 
even  by  the  most  conservative,  that  this  fall  will  bring  better  times.  Such  a  crop  again  puts  the  United 
States  in  the  position  of  furnishing  bread  to  a  large  part  of  the  civilized  world.  That  means  the  bringing  of 
more  money  into  this  country  to  be  distributed  through  the  activities  of  agricultural,  commercial,  industrial, 
transportation  and  financial  concerns  through  all  the  channels  of  business.  The  foundation  of  all  pros- 
perity in  this  country  is  the  abundant  yielding  of  the  soil  to  man's  industry.  This  year,  by  awakening  acti- 
vities now  dormant,  and  renewing  the  confidence  that  is  needed  to  restore  business  to  its  normal  condition, 
a  bumper  wheat  crop  is  a  godsend  whose  beneficent  effects  cannot  be  overestimated  by  those  who  give 
proper  thought  to  such  matters  in  their  relation  to  business."—  The  Indicator. 


116 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JULY,  1914 


"  'W 

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t         * 

frl 

M 

[iiifi> 

1 

j  I 

w  fc 

s*l 

1      ^              J 

Iff!  w 

"CLOSER  THAN  CLOTHES,  EVEN 
BEFORE  THEY  ARE  DONNED" 

MUSIC  during  dinner,  supper  or  breakfast 
has  become  so  customary  both  in  the  home 
and  at  the  hotel,  that  one  is  not  in  the  least 
surprised  to  hear  the  Edison  furnishing  it.  But 
music  during  dressing  time,  before  the  clothes  are 
donned  or  the  fire  started  or  the  morning  ablutions 
performed,  is  somewhat  of  an  innovation.  Down 
in  Oceana,  Va.,  lives  an  Edison  enthusiast  who 
sends  us,  or  rather  direct  to  Mr.  Edison,  personally, 
the  above  photograph  of  how  near  and  how  dear 
his  Edison  has  become  to  him.  The  letter  which 
accompanied  it  is  so  full  of  sentiment,  that  we  have 
concluded  to  print  it  entire: — 

My  Dear  Mr.  Edison: 

I  trust  that  you  will  excuse  me  for  intruding 
briefly  upon  your  time. 

Briefly  stated,  the  world  owes  you  much,  for  the 
uplift  you  have  given  it,  through  your  most  wonder- 
ful work.  You  have  not  only  reached  the  "Homes" 
but  the  "Hearts"  of  the  people  of  the  world. 

I  am  enclosing,  under  separate  wrapper,  a  photo 
to  show  you  how  closely  you  have  secured  a  foot- 
hold in  one  family.  It  is  an  actual  fact,  as  shown 
in  the  photo,  that  you  have  invaded  the  home, 
until  you  occupy  a  position  "closer  than  clothes," 
and,  that  even  before  the  "daily  duds  are  donned;" 
or  the  fire  is  started  in  the  stove,  the  Edison  is 
put  in  commission. 

The   warmth    and   genial   pleasant    influences   of 


sweet  music  appeal  more  powerfully  than  fire  and 
raimant. 

The  facts  in  connection  with  the  photo  are  these. 
Twice  during  the  life  of  this  old  man,  the  daughters 
of  the  old  home  have  gone  out  to  homes  of  their 
own,  taking  with  them  the  musical  literature,  their 
musical  instruments  and  their  sweet  voices,  leaving 
the  old  occupants  sad,  desolate  and  musicless. 

Now,  in  their  old  age,  in  their  declining  years, 
when  the  shadows  begin  to  lengthen,  and  life's 
forces  are  ebbing  swiftly  away,  this  aged  couple 
would  be  compelled  to  sit  many  an  hour  in  the  old 
home,  sad  and  lonely,  if  it  were  not  for  the  Edison. 

Through  a  sacrifice  of  some  of  the  comforts  of 
life,  the  phonograph  was  secured.  It  filled  a  long- 
felt  want  and  filled  it  so  well,  so  satisfactorily,  so 
completely,  that  the  old  man  found  himself,  on 
several  occasions,  enacting  the  scene  as  photo- 
graphed. 

After  a  while  it  occurred  to  the  old  man  to  have 
a  photo  made  to  illustrate  the  powerful  influence  of 
music,  and  there  is  not  a  feature  in  the  photo  that 
was  added  to  the  actual.  It  occurred,  not  only  once, 
but  many  times. 

If  we  had  only  the  instrument  and  one  record,  it 
would  pay  the  first  cost.  I  refer  to  the  record 
"Abide  With  Me,  Fast  Falls  the  Eventide."  How 
closely  it  fits  our  condition,  in  the  "Evening  of 
Life."  How  it  appeals  to  our  better  nature;  how 
it  stimulates  our  better  nature;  and  promotes  our 
spiritual  growth  and  development. 


EDISON  AMBEROLA  X  MODEL  D 

IN  accordance  with  Phonograph  Sales  Bulletin 
98,  Jobbers  are  now  prepared  to  furnish  dealers 
with  Amberola  X  with  certain  improvements  and 
changes.  It  will  be  designated  as  model  D.  Its 
chief   features  : 

1.  Can  be  wound  while  running. 

2.  Stronger  spring. 

3.  Most  parts  standard  and  interchangeable  with 
Amberolas  VIII  and  VI;  thereby  decreasing  the 
number  of  mechanisms  for  which  repair  parts  be 
carried  in  stock  by  the  trade. 

4.  Motor  is  suspended  from  top  plate  by  means 
of  spiral  springs,  which  minimizes  noise  of  motor. 

5.  Improved  cabinet  finish. 

6.  Movement  differs  from  previous  model  in  that 
it  has  an  additional  train  of  gears  which  aid  in 
regulation  and  eliminate  trouble. 

Jobbers  are  now  making  shipments  of  this  new 
model. 

LIST  PRICE,  $30.00-as  before-subject  to  reg- 
ular Phonograph  discount  to  authorized  dealers. 
We  shall  no  longer  be  able  to  supply  any  more  of 
the  present  model  Amberol  X,  but  should  you  re- 
quire any  of  the  present  model,  it  is  possible  that  you 
can  obtain  them  by  correspondence  with  some  of 
the  jobbers.  If  unsuccessful  in  this  we  shall  see 
whether  we  can  locate  any  for  you. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JULY,  1914 


117 


ALESSAXDRO  LIBERATI 

Orchestra  Leader 

Cornetist 


SAMUEL  GARDNER 
Violinist 


FREDERIC  MARTIN 
Basso 


MORE   NEW   BLUE   AMBEROL   TALENT 
IN  THE  SEPTEMBER  LIST 


ALESSANDRO  LIBERATI  is  an  Italian 
Bandmaster  and  composer,  who  for  thirty- 
six  years  has  been  touring  the  Lnited 
States.  He  was  born  in  Frascati,  Italy.  His  early 
career  was  adventurous  in  the  extreme,  for  he  started 
as  a  private  in  the  Italian  Volunteer  Army,  serving 
under  the  great  Garabaldi  in  1866.  He  then  be- 
c  ime  cornetist  in  the  first  regiment  King's  Brigade. 
In  1873  he  became  bandmaster  of  Artillery  and 
cornet  soloist  to  His  Excellency,  Earl  Dufferin, 
Governor-General  of  Canada. 

In  the  September  list  of  Blue  Amberols  we  give 
three  of  his  own  compositions.  As  the}-  are  played 
by  his  own  band  they  are  authoritatively  inter- 
preted. "March  of  the  Inland  Tribes"  (2412)  was 
written  by  him  specially  for  the  great  Pow  Wow 
Carnival,  held  in  Spokane,  Washington,  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1913.  During  this  carnival  there  was  given 
a  joint  concert  by  forty  bands  from  different  parts 
of  the  country  and  the  training  of  these  bands  was 
a  portion  of  the  work  laid  out  for  Liberati.  The 
Concert  was  held  June  7th  at  which  there  were  over 
eight  hundred  musicians  assembled,  and  the  "March 
of  the  Inland  Tribes"  received  its  first  public  per- 
formance. So  far  as  is  known  this  was  the  largest 
concert  band  ever  organized  in  the  Lnited  States. 

"La  Mia  Speranza  Valse"  (2414)  is  one  of  his 
typical  waltzes,  meaning  "My  Hope"  named  in 
honor  of  his  accomplished  daughter  who  also  is  a 
talented  musician. 

"Suffragettes  March"  has  proven  the  most  popu- 
lar of  all  Liberati's  pieces.     It  has  been  featured  in 


vocal    arrangement   with    band    accompaniment   at 
several  of  the  composer's  concerts. 

Liberati  is  to  be  congratulated  on  the  excellent 
musicians   gathered   about   him.     The   tone   of  the 

instrument  is  always  full,  rich  and  mellow,  and  the 
playing  is  spirited  and  inspiring. 


FREDERIC  MARTIN,  a  native  of  Rhode 
Island,  has  pursued  his  artistic  attainments 
with  the  foremost  of  American  and  European 
instructors.  He  has  appeared  many  times  with 
the  leading  musical  organizations  of  the  larger 
cities  throughout  the  United  States  and  Canada, 
has  also  made  several  tours  with  the  Boston  Festi- 
val. Pittsburg  and  Chicago  Symphony  Orchestras, 
and  is  recognized  as  one  of  America's  leading  Ora- 
torio and  Concert  artists.  Flis  voice  is  a  noble  one, 
sonorous  in  quality,  of  ample  power,  and  of  un- 
commonly wide  range.  He  is  basso  of  the  Fifth 
Avenue  Presbyterian  Church  Quartet,  of  New  York 
Citv. 


SAMUEL  GARDNER,  violinist,  a  pupil  of 
Franz  Kneisel,  made  his  first  appearance 
before  a  New  York  audience  late  last  winter. 
He  was  born  in  a  little  village  of  Russia.  When 
two  years  old  his  parents  came  to  America  and  here 
his  entire  musical  education  has  been  received.  He 
is  an  American  product  and  his  wonderful  playing 
is  an  evidence  that  European  training  is  not  neces- 
sary for  a  successful  career.  His  playing  shows  a 
sense  of  proportion  and  taste  that  few  young  violin 
players  possess.    His  tone  is  pure  and  well  produced. 


118 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JULY,  1914 


INCREASING  POPULARITY  OF 
CIRCASSIAN  WALNUT 

COMMENTING  on  the  demand  for  woods  for 
phonograph  cabinet  ware,  an  authority 
points  out  the  increasing  popularity  of  Cir- 
cassian walnut  in  the  new  art  styles  of  pianos,  piano- 
players,   and  phonograph  cabinets: — 

"The  ordering  has  been  attended  with  an  un- 
precedented demand  for  cases  of  this  handsome, 
rare  wood.  Conclusive  evidence  of  its  gain  in  favor 
may  be  found  in  the  large  number  of  Circasssian 
models,  which  are  included  in  the  many  carload  ship- 
ments that  leave  piano  factories  daily. 

"There  is  no  denying  the  claim  that  the  desira- 
bility of  Cirsassian  walnut,  from  an  artistic  stand- 
point, is  unsurpassed;  and  the  extensive  use  of  it  in 
the  making  of  cabinets  proves  that  it  appeals  strong- 
ly to  discriminating  buyers  of  quality  instruments, 
who  aim  to  please  the  eye  and  charm  the  ear  at  the 
same  time. 

"The  rapid  strides  that  have  been  made  by  the 
artisans  in  matching  up  this  exceptional  wood  ex- 
plains the  particularly  beautiful  and  charming 
appearance  of  the  case  work  productions  and  their 
unusual  popularity.  An  artist  will  do  wonders 
with  ordinary  canvas  and  paint;  and  likewise,  the 
man  who  possesses  a  genius  for  matching  rare  woods 
will  carry  out  the  ideals  of  art  in  enhancing  the 
design  of  a  cabinet  with  a  superb  beauty  and  en- 
richment of  wood  that  beggars  description.  In  the 
Edison  factory  this  work  of  matching  is  given  the 
closest  attention — and  only  the  finest,  most  care- 
fully selected  Circassian  walnut  is  used. 

"Much  of  the  Circassian  walnut  is  obtained  from 
the  Black  Sea  and  remote  parts  of  Asia,  although 
it  has  been  planted  extensively  in  Europe  and  in 
this  country  under  the  name  of  English  walnut. 
That  which  is  grown  in  this  country,  however,  has 
not  the  qualities  required  by  the  cabinet  maker. 
The  Circassian  walnut  tree  is  native  to  the  Eastern 
slopes  of  the  Caucasus  and  ranges  eastward  to  the 
foothills  of  the  Himalaya  Mountains,  from  which 
it  extends  southward  to  northern  India  and  the 
mountains  of  upper  Burma. 

"It  is  said  that  the  reason  this  Circassian  is  so 
expensive  is  due  to  the  scarcity  of  the  beautifully 
figured  variety  demanded  for  the  finest  cabinets 
and  furniture  and  the  interior  embellishment  of 
homes  of  wealth. 

"However  the  tree  itself  is  more  widely  distri- 
buted than  almost  any  other  of  commercial  im- 
portance. It  is  known  that  single  trees  containing 
fine  bird's-eye  figures  or  choice  burls  have  sold  for 
more  than  33,000.  The  demand  for  Circassian 
has  always  exceeded  the  supply.  When  wars  were 
numerous  in  Europe — in  the  eighteenth  century — 
the  supply  was  greatly  depleted,  because  the  Cir- 
cassian  walnut   was   used   for   the   making   of   gun 


stocks.  The  wood  of  12,000  trees  was  used  for  this 
purpose  alone  at  one  time  in  the  early  part  of  the 
nineteenth  century.  The  United  States  is  the  larg- 
est consumer  of  this  most  beautiful  and  most  ex- 
pensive cabinet  wood." 


T 


MR.  EDISON  OPTIMISTIC 

A  Workingman's   Point  of  View 
HOMAS     A.     EDISON     is     certainly    an 
optimistic   man.      Events    in   which   only    a 
baleful  of  significance  can  be  seen  by  some, 
are  to  him  harbingers  of  better  things  to  come. 

To  a  reporter,  who  recently  interviewed  him, 
every  subject  touched  upon  was  made  to  show 
helpful  possibilities,  instead  of  conceivable  evils. 
In  other  words  Mr.  Edison  refused  to  be  persuaded 
that  the  world  was  not  progressing  toward  better 
things. 

For  instance,  the  reporter  made  the  statement 
that  the  supply  of  rubber  will  not  meet  the  demand 
within  the  next  few  years.  Mr.  Edison  replied 
that  thousands  of  new  trees  have  been  planted 
in  tropical  countries  and  that  within  the  few  years 
specified,  their  products  would  more  than  meet 
the  increasing  demand. 

Taking  another  tack,  the  reporter  ventured  the 
opinion  that  the  supply  of  spruce  trees,  from  which 
certain  kinds  of  paper  is  made,  has  so  dwindled 
that  it  began  to  look  as  though  the  printer  and  the 
publisher  would  have  to  find  a  substitute  for  paper. 

Tf  the  paper  supply  gives  out,'  said  Mr.  Edison, 
lwe  shall  use  carbonized  inks — inks  that  will  bleach 
out  and  enable  us  to  use  the  paper  over  again  a 
couple  of  times.' 

Edison  is  the  type  of  man  this  country  needs. 
To  him  nothing  dreadful  is  going  to  happen.  Every- 
thing that  needs  to  be  done  will  be  accomplished. 
There  will  always  be  a  man  for  every  emergency 
— for  every  task.  So  long  as  man  has  brains  he 
will  meet  the  problems  that  nature,  change  and 
developing  bring.  NOTHING  HAS  GONE 
WRONG  AND  NOTHING  WILL  GO  WRONG. 

Such  healthy  optimism  as  expressed  by  Mr. 
Edison  makes  life  worth  living.  Cut  out  the 
gloom!" — R.  C.  Trowbridge's  Editorial  in  Dodge's 
Idea. 


WANTED 

A  HIGH-GRADE  piano  house  of  the  middle  West 
wants  a  man  as  manager  for  the 

EDISON  DISC  DEPARTMENT 
An  excellent  opportunity  for  a  good  man. 
Write  to    "Piano  House,"   care  of  the   Edison 
Phonograph  Monthly. 
We  will  forward  the  replies. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  JULY,  1914 


119 


BLUE  AMBEROLS  FOR  SEPTEMBER 

On  Sale  Tuesday,  August  25th 

THE  three  Concert  pieces  this  month  deserve  more  than  passing  notice  be- 
cause they  not  only  are  favorite  selections  with  a  very  large  number  of  music 
lovers,  but  are  charmingly  rendered  by  artists  of  the  first  rank — Anna  Case, 
Paul  Althouse  and  Aristodemo  Giorgini.  Liberati's  Band  contributes  three  of  this 
celebrated  orchestra  leader's  own  selections.  Fred.  Martin,  a  new  Edison  artist, 
has  a  splendid  bass  voice  while  Samuel  Gardner,  another  new  artist,  plays  the  violin 
with  exceptional  technique.  The  quartet  pieces  this  month  reveal  some  skilful  re- 
cording as  well  as  artistic  blending  of  voices.  The  Recessional  (2337)  by  the  Edison 
Mixed  Quartet,  Kentucky  Babe  (2399)  by  the  Manhattan  Quartet,  and  Lorena 
(2400)  by  the  Metropolitan  Quartet  are  notable  examples  of  perfect  blending. 

CONCERT  LIST 

75  cents  each  in  the  United  States;  $1.00  each  in  Canada 

28198 


28197     Trovatore — Miserere  {Verdi) 

Anna  Case,  Paul  Althouse  and  Male  Chorus 
Soprano,  tenor  and  chorus,  orchestra   accompaniment 
28199     Pescatori  di  Perle 

{Bizet) 


Martha — Xone  so  Rare  (m'appari) 

{von  Flotow)  Paul  Althouse 

Tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment 
Mi  par  d'udir  ancora 
Aristodemo  Giorgini 


Tenor,  in  Italian 

REGULAR  LIST 

53  cents  each  in  the  United  States;  6S  cents  each  in  Canada 


2385     Aeroplane  Dip — Waltz  Hesitation  {Pry or) 

National    Promenade    Band 
For  dancing 
M&ry,  You're  a  Little  Bit  Old  Fashioned 
{Mar  hall)  Walter  Van  Brunt 

Tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment 
Recessional  {Kipling-de  Koven) 

Edison  Mixed  Quartet 
Sacred,  orchestra  accompaniment 
Rose  of  the  Mountain  Trail  {Brennan) 
(Vocal  obligato  by  Clementine  de  Vere) 

Vernon  Archibald 
Baritone,  orchestra  accompaniment 
Grande  Valse  Concert  (Mattei) 

Edison  Concert  Band 
Reed  only 
Even-body  Loves  My  Girl  {Ayer) 

Irving  Kaufman 
Tenor 
If  They'd  Only  Move  Old  Ireland  Over 
Here — When  Claudia  Smiles  {Gillen) 

Edward  M.  Favor  and  Chorus 
Tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment 
All  on  Account  of  You  {Solman) 

Irving  Gillette 
Tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment 
Hearts  and  Flowers  (Tobani) 

Venetian  Instrumental  Quartet 
'Twas  in  September — The  Beauty  Shop 
{Hein)  Ada  Jones  and  Billy  Murray 

Orchestra  accompaniment 
When  You  Play  in  the  Game  of  Love 

{Piantadosi)  Manuel  Romain 

Tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment 
Blue  Jay  and  the  Thrush  {Belmont) 

Byron  G.  Harlan  and  Joe  Belmont 
Singing  and  Whistling,  orchestra  accompaniment 
2397     This  is  the  Life  Medley— Turkey  Trot 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancinz 


2386 


2387 


2388 


2389 


2390 


2391 


2392 


2393 


2394 


239; 


2396 


2398  In  the  Palace  of  Dreams  {Friedman) 

Helen  Clark  and  Emory  B.  Randolph 
Contralto  and  tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2399  Kentucky  Babe  {Geibel)   Manhattan  Quartet 

Male  voices 

2400  Lorena    {Webster)         Metropolitan    Quartet 
Mixed  voices,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2401  Dorothy  Three-Step  {Lampe) 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 

2402  Over  the  Alpine  Mountains  {Fisher) 

Albert  H.  Campbell  and  Irving  Gillette 
Tenors,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2403  The  Wanderer  {Schubert)        Frederic  Martin 

Basso,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2404  Something  Seems  Tingle-ingleing — High 

Jinks  {Friml)  Walter  Van  Brunt 

Tenor,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2405  Humoreske  {Dvorak)  Samuel  Gardner 

Violin,  piano  accompaniment 

2406  He'd  Push  It  Along  {Abrahams) 

Edward  Meeker 
Orchestra  accompaniment 

2407  Castle  House  Rag  One-Step  {Europe) 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 

2408  Mootching  Along  {Muir) 

Arthur  Collins  and  Byron  G.  Harlan 
Orchestra  accompaniment 

2409  Bedtime  at  the  Zoo  (Monckton)       Ada  Jones 

Orchestra  accompaniment 

2410  By  the  Dear  Old  River  Rhine  {Morse) 

Albert  H.  Campbell  and  Irving  Gillette 
Tenors,  orchestra  accompaniment 

2411  Patrol  Comique  {Hindley) 

American  Standard  Orchestra 

2412  March  of  the  Inland  Tribes  {Liberati) 

Liberati's  Band 

2413  Suffragettes  March  {Liberati) 

Liberati's  Band 

2414  La  Mia  Speranza  Valse  {Liberati) 

Liberati's  Band 


Jobbers  of 
Edison  Phonographs  and    Records 


DISC  AND  CYLINDER 

CALIFORNIA 
Los  Angeles — Southern  California  Music  Co. 
San  Francisco — Pacific  Phonoeraph  Co. 

COLORADO 
Denver — Denver  Dry  Goods  Co. 

CONNECTICUT 
New  Haven — Pardee-Ellenberger  Co. 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago — The  Phonograph  Co. 
INDIANA 
Indianapolis — Kipp-Link  Phonograph  Co. 

IOWA 
t^f.s  Moines — Harger  &  Blish. 
Sioux  City — Harger  &  Blish. 
MAINE 
Bangor — Chandler  &  Co. 

MARYLAND 
Baltimore — McKee  Surgical  Instrument  Co. 

MASSACHUSETTS 
Boston — Pardee-Ellenberger  Co. 
MICHIGAN 
Detroit — American  Phonograph  Co. 

MINNESOTA 
Minneapolis — Laurence  H.  Lucker. 

MISSOURI 
Kansas  City — Phonograph  Co.  of  Kansas  City 
St.  Louis — Silverstone  Music  Co. 

MONTANA 
Helena — Montana  Phonograph  Co. 

NEBRASKA 
Omaha — Shultz  Bros. 

NEW  JERSEY 
Hoboken — Eclipse  Phonograph  Co. 

NEW  YORK 
Albany — American  Phonograph  Co. 
Syracuse — Frank  E.  Bolway  &  Son 
New  York — The  Phonograph  Corporation  of  Man- 
hattan. 

OHIO 
Cincinnati — The  Phonograph  Co. 
Cleveland — The  Phonograph  Co. 
Toledo — Hayes  Music  Co. 

OREGON 
Portland — Graves  Music  Co. 

PENNSYLVANIA 
Philadelphia — Girard  Phonograph  Co. 
Pittsburgh — Buehn  Phonograph  Co. 

WlLLIAMSPORT W.  A.  MYERS. 

TENNESSEE 
Memphis — Atwood  Phonograph  Co. 

TEXAS 
Dallas — Southern  Talking  Machine  Co. 
El  Paso — El  Paso  Phonograph  Co.,  Inc.,    (Disc  only) 
Fort  Worth — Texas-Oklahoma  Phonograph  Co. 
Houston — Houston  Phonograph  Co. 

UTAH 
Ogden — Proudfit  Sporting  Goods  Co. 

VIRGINIA 
Richmond — C.  B.  Haynes  &  Co. 

WASHINGTON 
Seattle — Pacific  PhonographCo.,  N.  W. 
Spokane — Graves  Music  Co. 

WISCONSIN 
Milwaukee — The  Phonograph  Co.,  of  Milwaukee. 

CANADA 
Quebec — C.  Robitaille. 
Montreal — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 
St.  John— W.  H.  Thorne  &  Co.,  Ltd. 


Ltd. 


Toronto — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co. 
Vancouver — Kent  Piano  Co.,  Ltd. 
Winnipeg — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co., 

Babson  Bros. 
Calgary — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd 


Ltd. 


CYLINDER   ONLY 

ALABAMA 
Birmingham — Talking  Machine  Co. 
Mobile — W.  H.  Reynalds. 

COLORADO 
Denver — Hext  Music  Co. 

GEORGIA 
Atlanta — Atlanta  Phonograph  Co. 
Waycross — Youmans  Jewelry  Co. 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago — Babson  Bros. 

James  I.  Lyons. 
Peoria — Peoria  Phonograph  Co. 
Putnam-Page  Co.,  Inc. 
Quincy — Quincy  Phonograph  Co. 
MARYLAND 
Baltimore — E.  F.  Droop  &  Sons  Co. 

MASSACHUSETTS 
Boston — Eastern  Talking  Machine  Co. 

Iver  Johnson  Sporting  Goods  Co. 
Lowell — Thomas  Wardell. 

MINNESOTA 
St.  Paul— W.  J.  Dyer  &  Bro. 
Koehler  &  Hinrichs. 

MISSOURI 
Kansas  City — Schmelzer  Arms  Co. 
NEW  HAMPSHIRE 
Manchester — John  B.  Varick  Co. 
NEW  JERSEY 
Paterson — James  K.  O'Dea. 

NEW  YORK 
Albany — Finch  &  Hahn. 
Buffalo — W.  D.  Andrews. 

Neal,  Clark  &  Neal  Co. 
Elmira — Elmira  Arms  Co. 

New  York  City — Blackman  Talking  Machine  Co. 
J.  F.  Blackman  &  Son. 
I.  Davega,  Jr.,  Inc. 
S.  B.  Davega  Co. 
J.  B.  Greenhut  Co. 
Rochester — Talking  Machine  Co. 
Syracuse — W.  D.  Andrews  Co. 
Utica — Arthur  F.  Ferriss. 
William  Harrison. 

PENNSYLVANIA 
Philadelphia — Louis  Buehn. 

Penn  Phonograph  Co. 
H.  A.  Weymann  &  Son. 
Scranton — Ackerman  &  Co. 

RHODE  ISLAND 
Providence — J.  A.  Foster  Co. 
J.  Samuels  &  Bro. 

TEXAS 
El  Paso— W.  G.  Walz  Co. 

UTAH 
Salt  Lake  City — Consolidated  Music  Co. 

VERMONT 
Burlington — American  Phonograph  Co. 


<&*  EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH 


MONTHLY 


August,  1914 


THOMAS  CHALMERS,  Baritone 

(See  pages  133  and  142.) 


in  m  in  m  ni  m  m  in  m  mi  th   m  in  w i.    w  »t  m    in  hi   in  in  >ii  .n  in  «■ 


L 


— — — — — 


«t3£  EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY 


TIMELY  ITEMS   OF  INTEREST 


The  annual  Edison  Field  Day  this  year  was  by 
far  the  most  enthusiastic  and  successful  ever  held. 
An  account  of  it  will  be  found  on  page  137. 


Eiler's  Talking  Machine  Company  of  Seattle, 
Wash.,  recently  incorporated,  is  doing  an  excellent 
business.  They  are  located  in  spacious  and  newly 
equipped  quarters  in  the  Eiler's  Building. 


Two  Edison  distributors  at  Salem,  Mass.,  escaped 
loss  from  the  312,000,000  fire:  the  Salem  Talking 
Machine  Co.  and  W.  W.  Ballard.  Both  were  out 
of  the  fire  zone,  but  had  several  machines  out  on 
sale  in  the  burned  district. 


Pardee-Ellenberger  &  Co.  have  now  become 
settled  in  their  new  Boston  office.  They  have  sent 
us  photographs  of  their  new  quarters,  but  too  late 
for  this  issue  of  The  Monthly.  They  will  appear 
in  the  September  issue. 


The  Phonograph  Co.  of  the  Oranges,  with  head- 
quarters at  East  Orange,  N.  J.,  filed  a  certificate  of 
incorporation  recently  with  the  Secretary  of  State 
of  New  Jersey.  The  capital  is  given  as  310,000,  and 
the  incorporators  are  W.  L.  Eckert,  R.  J.  Bolan  and 
W.  A.  Hardy. 


Joseph  Lutey  and  L.  V.  Williams,  of  Butte,  Mont., 
recently  opened  a  new  talking  machine  store  under 
the  name  of  the  "Butte  Phonograph  Co.,"  and  will 
handle  nothing  but  talking  machines  and  records. 
The  new  quarters  are  fitted  up  in  first-class  style, 
there  being  three  large  sound-proof  demonstration 
rooms,  with  attractive  furnishings  and  decorations. 
A  complete  line  of  Edison  products  will  be  carried 
in  the  new  store,  and  George  A.  Renner,  North- 
western representative  of  Thomas  A.  Edison,  Inc., 
directed  the  arrangement  of  the  store  and  the  selec- 
tion of  stock.  He  will  also  assist  the  company  in 
staging  demonstrations  for  the  next  few  months. 


"During  the  past  few  weeks,"  says  A.  N.  Struck, 
Manager  of  the  Edison  Department  of  the  Tower 
Novelty  Manufacturing  Co.,  New  York,  "we  have 
sold  four  3250  Edison  machines  to  owners  of 
private  yachts  who  are  planning  to  leave  on  ex- 
tended summer  cruises.  These  purchasers,  who 
include  prominent  business  men  and  financiers,  are 
enthusiastic  regarding  the  tonal  qualities  of  the 
Edison  machines  and  records,  and  I  expect  to 
close  several  other  sales  to  yacht  owners  within  a 
few  days.  The  3250  machine  is  the  most  popular 
seller  with  all  the  trade,  and  we  consider  it  the  ideal 
machine  from  all  standpoints." 


"Our  daily  demonstrations  have  proven  very  suc- 
cessful," says  H.  N.  Purdy,  Manager  of  the  Edison 
Department  of  Hardman,  Peck  &  Co.,  New  York. 
"The  Edison  Records  and  machines  are  meeting 
with  a  ready  sale  and  winning  the  admiration  of 
all  our  clients." 


William  Ide,  who  has  been  assisting  Mr.  Schmidt, 
manager  of  the  Phonograph  Company  of  Milwau- 
kee, has  been  made  traveling  wholesale  representa- 
tive of  Thomas  A.  Edison,  Incorporated,  in  Wis- 
consin and  upper  Michigan,  succeeding  William  P. 
Hope,  who  is  now  Edison  jobber  at  Kansas  City. 


Eiler's  Music  House,  San  Francisco,  which  has 
paid  comparatively  little  attention  to  phonographs, 
will  now  enlarge  its  talking  machine  department  and 
carry  a  large  stock  of  Edisons.  The  new  depart- 
ment is  being  fitted  up  on  the  main  floor.  Four 
large  sound-proof  demonstration  rooms  will  be 
equipped  and  the  general  salesroom  will  be  spacious 
and  elegantly  furnished.  H.  P.  Rothermel  has  been 
chosen  manager  of  the  department. 


M.  L.  Reynolds,  traveling  salesman  for  The  Sil- 
vers-tone Music  Company,  St.  Louis,  is  signing  up 
many  new  Edison  dealers  in  Southern  Missouri  and 
Arkansas.  Among  the  recent  ones  are  Hollenberg 
Music  Co.,  Little  Rock,  Ark.;  A.  B.  Carne,  Pierce 
City,  Mo.;  The  Benedict-Boyce  Music  Co.,  Gales- 
burg,  111.;  McQueen  Bros.,  Carrollton,  Mo.;  C.  W. 
Hess,  Butler,  Mo.;  Bush  &  Carne,  Dyersburg, 
Tenn.;  T.  J.  Evans,  Pittsburg,  Kan.;  W.  H.  More- 
land,  Jr.,  Metropolis,  111.;  Holbrook,  Carthage,  Mo.; 
H.  L.  Hoover,  Springfield,  Mo.;  J.  W.  Guisinger, 
Fayetteville,  Ark. 


Frank  J.  Bayley,  the  well-known,  aggressive  piano 
retailer  of  Detroit,  who  recently  added  the  Edison 
line  of  talking  machines  to  his  piano  business,  is 
rapidly  becoming  proficient  in  his  new  line  of  sales- 
manship. "It's  easier  than  selling  pianos,"  he  re- 
marked. "While  there  isn't  as  much  profit  in  a 
single  deal,  we  make  more  deals,  and  in  proportion 
to  the  amount  involved  we  get  much  better  terms. 
Consequently  it  does  not  require  so  large  an  invest- 
ment to  make  a  given  profit.  Then,  it  adds  variety 
to  the  business.  Every  piano  house  ought  to  have 
the  talkers  on  hand.  Often  we  find  that  people  who 
come  in  for  the  purpose  of  buying  a  piano  cannot 
find  exactly  what  they  want,  either  in  price  or  instru- 
ment, and  we  interest  them  in  the  talking  machines 
and  make  a  sale.  It  is  business  we  would  have  lost 
entirely  without  the  phonographs.  I  sometimes 
wonder  why  I  failed  to  consider  this  long  ago,  and 
did  business  so  many  years  without  them." 


122 


THE    EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH     MONTH  LY 

Published  in  the  interest  of 

EDISON  PHONOGRAPHS  AND  RECORDS 

By  THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  Inc. 
ORANGE,  N.  J.,  U.  S.  A. 

THOMAS  A.   EDISON,  LTD.,  25  CLERKENWELL  ROAD,  LONDON,  E.  C. 

THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  LTD.,  364-372  KENT  STREET.  SYDNEY,  N.  S.  W. 

COMPANIA  EDISON  HISPANO-AMERICANA.  VIAMONTE  515,  BUENOS  AIRES. 

EDISON  GESELLSCHAFT,  M.  B.  H.  10  FRIEDRICHSTRASSE,  BERLIN. 

COMPAGNIE  FRANCAISE  THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  59  RUE  DES  PETITES-ECURIES.  PARIS. 


Vol 


ume 


XII 


AUGUST,  1914 


Number  8 


A  NEW  FIELD  FOR  BLUE  AMBEROLS 

Their  Value  Recognized  by  Retail  Merchants 


THE  subtle  power  of  music  to  un- 
loosen the  purse-strings  has  become 
more  and  more  a  well  recognized  fact 
among    retail    merchants.  Sentiment 

plays  an  important  part  to-day  in  mod- 
ern retailing.  Good  cheer,  courtesy, 
kindness  and  liberal  hospitality  have 
become  indispensable  qualifications  for 
success  on  a  large  scale. 

Of  all  arts,  music  perhaps  best  expands 
and  arouses  the  emotions  and  puts  the 
prospective  purchaser  in  a  happy  frame 
of  mind.  It  transmutes  the  sordid  neces- 
sity of  buying  into  an  idealistic  state  of 
mind,  in  which  the  purchaser  lets  his 
emotions  and  his  longing  for  more  com- 
fort, ease  and  refinement,  have  a  voice  in 
shaping  his  wants.  If  you  doubt  this, 
just  try  the  experiment  on  yourself. 
Which  would  you  prefer — a  dinner  with- 
out music  or  one  with  music?  In  nine 
cases  out  of  ten  you  will  patronize  the 
restaurant  with  music. 

The  same  choice  is  exercised  almost 
unconsciously  in  shopping,  and  some  en- 
terprising merchants  have  learned  to 
value  the  Blue  Amberol  as  a  profit- 
paying  investment  because  of  its  ability 


to  hold  and  entertain  the  prospective 
purchaser. 

Take,  for  instance,  such  a  matter-of- 
fact  purchase  as  that  of  envelopes,  ink 
and  writing-paper  —  things  everyone 
must  have.  Strange  as  it  may  seem,  an 
Edison  Phonograph  will  prove  in  such  an 
instance  a  potent  sales-influence. 

Here  is  the  true  story  of  a  retail  sta- 
tionery dealer  out  in  Ouray,  Colorado, 
who  cashed  in  on  his  Edison  Phono- 
graph as  a  sales-force.  Like  most  west- 
ern towns,  Ouray  is  subject  to  sudden 
booms  and  equally  unexpected  relapses. 
The  demand  for  stationery  fluctuates 
with  the  prosperity  of  the  town. 

Charles  Reynolds,  who  vouches  for  the 
story,  runs  this  retail  stationery  store  in 
Ouray,  but  carries  other  lines  also.  The 
weather,  the  new  tariff,  the  currency  bill, 
and  even  the  coal  strike,  all  came  in  for 
the  blame  for  the  dull  times  in  business. 
But  the  pressing  question  was  not  one  of 
causes  but  of  remedy,  and  here  is  where 
brains  and  imagination  hitched  up 
together. 

Being  a  philosopher  he  set  himself  to 
reasoning  out  some  way  of  brightening 


123 


124 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  AUGUST,  1914 


up  business.  He  owned  an  Edison 
Phonograph,  with  quite  a  number  of 
"rattling  good  records."  One  day  after 
disposing  of  a  good-sized  order  for  sta- 
tionery, Mr.  Reynolds  had  his  inspira- 
tion. Half  a  dozen  prospective  buyers 
were  waiting  to  be  served.  Before  at- 
tending to  them,  however,  he  slipped  on 
a  lively  maYch  and  released  the  lever. 

Then,  as  the  music  started,  he  hurried 
to  wait  on  the  customers.  The  rest  of 
the  story  can  best  be  told  in  Mr.  Rey- 
nold's own  words. 

"These  next  few  sales  were  the  easiest 
I  had  made  in  weeks.  People  laughed 
and  joked  about  the  music,  but  it  livened 
up  their  spirits  and  loosened  their  purse- 
strings  all  the  same.  Several  bought 
stationery.  All  stayed  an  extra  fifteen 
minutes  to  hear  more  music.  That,  too, 
meant  more  sales. 

"That  was  the  beginning  of  my  ex- 
perience with  the  Edison  Phonograph  as 
a  stationery  salesman.  The  next  day  I 
featured  stationery,  both  in  my  adver- 
tising and  the  show  window.  I  didn't 
advertise  the  phonograph  specially;  it 
was  advertising  itself. 

"Off  and  on,  we  have  played  it  steadily 
every  day  since.  It  was  a  great  study 
in  psychology  for  a  time  to  fit  the  proper 
tune  to  the  proper  buyer.  The  ordinary 
grouch,  of  course,  had  to  be  loosened  up, 
so  we  played  for  him  the  sort  of  lively 
march  or  comic  song  to  make  the  man 
forget  his  troubles.  Now  and  then  some- 
one would  come  in  suffering  from  a 
slight  over-pressure  of  enthusiasm — "the 
altitude,"  Coloradans  charitably  call  it. 
He  was  simply  too  bursting  full  of  his 
own  affairs  to  give  the  proper  attention 
to  buying.  So  we  calmed  him  into  the 
purchasing  mood  with  Grand  Opera 
or  "Rocked  in  the  Cradle  of  the  Deep. 

"Allowing  for  people  who  didn't  care 
at  all  for  music — (and  we  soon  learned 
to  distinguish  them  in  time) — the  plan 
worked  very  well.       Even  though  busi- 


ness in  all  lines  grew  better,  we  still 
employed  it. 

"The  Edison  Phonograph  is  To-day 
the  Best  Salesman  in  My  Store,  for  it 
not  only  sells  itself  and  its  records,  but 
it  helps  sell  everything  else  in  sight." 

Mr.  Reynolds'  discovery  of  a  new 
field  for  the  Blue  Amberols  is  paralleled 
by  A.  J.  Severson,  in  the  drug  business  at 
Story  City,  Iowa.      He  says: 

"The  Edison  phonograph  has  more 
than  paid  for  itself  as  a  drawing  card.  I 
am  confident  that  it  has  been  directly 
responsible  for  the  sudden  increase  in  my 
general  drug  line,  and  I  would  not  think 
of  being  without  it." 

In  the  jewelry  business  Mr.  Le Favor, 
of  Santa  Catalina,  California,  finds  his 
Edison  a  trade-getter  among  a  high-class 
clientele.  He  plans  "store  concerts,"  and 
then  makes  an  unusally  attractive  show- 
ing in  his  jewelry  department  which  is 
liberally  patronized  at  such  times. 

"Soda  water  and  music"  go  finely. 
Eugene  Pfefferle,  of  New  Ulm,  Minn., 
finds  his  Edison  a  strong  attraction,  and 
his  facilities  for  dispensing  soda  and 
music  at  the  same  time  has  brought  his 
drug  store  into  great  prominence  during 
the  summer  months. 

Here  is  certainly  a  new  field  for  the 
Edison  dealer  to  canvass.  Selling  an 
Edison  to  a  retail  merchant  who  will 
operate  it,  is  a  profitable  business,  for 
besides  the  sale  itself,  it  gives  the  best 
kind  of  advertising  to  the  Edison  instru- 
ment, and  eventually  brings  the  Edison 
dealer  more  patronage. 

For  the  benefit  of  the  dealer  who  is 
looking  for  new  fields  in  which  to  canvass 
for  the  Edison,  we  suggest  the  following: 

General  retail  stores 

Drug  stores, 

Dentists'  waiting  rooms, 

Physicians'  waiting  rooms, 

Music  stores, 

Steamship  lines, 

Barber  shops. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  AUGUST,  1914 


125 


A  MOST  SUCCESSFUL  DEMON- 
STRATION 

One  of  the  most  successful  demonstrations  of  the 
Edison  was  given  before  the  Topeka  Cooking  School 
under  the  auspices  of  the  Santa  Fe  Watch  Co.  of 
that  city.  The  attendance  was  good  and  the  audi- 
torium where  it  was  held  enabled  every  one  to  hear 
every  note  distinctly.  After  the  formal  program 
was  over  many  came  forward  and  more  selections 
were  played.  Explanations  of  the  disc  and  the 
instrument  were  given  and  everyone  was  more  than 
pleased. 


CASH  OR  CREDIT,  WHICH? 

Finding  Out  How  the  Prospective  Customer  Is 

Inclined  One  of  the  Most  Delicate,  Yet 

Important  Questions  for  the  Salesman 

ONE  of  the  most  delicate  yet  important  ques- 
tions for  the  salesman  to  solve  is  whether  his 
customer  is  going  to  pay  cash  or  ask  for 
credit.  Most  firms  make  some  difference  for  cash, 
especially  if  the  goods  on  the  floor  are  marked  with 
the  credit  or  installment  price.  Guessing  at  it  won't 
do.  Unless  you  find  out,  and  early,  too,  in  the 
conversation  with  your  customer,  you  are  less  likely 
to  make  a  sale. 

There  are  many  people  whom  you  either  know 
personally  or  by  previous  dealings  to  be  cash. 
Quite  a  few  more  will  tell  you  voluntarily  that  they 
wish  to  buy  cash  or  credit,  as  the  case  may  be. 
For  example,  someone  asks  you  the  best  cash  price 
on  an  article.  Generally,  though  not  always,  this 
implies  that  they  are  cash  buyers.     The  real  prob- 


lem arises,  then,  with  those  whom  you  do  not  know. 
You  must  get  this  information  without  offending 
your  customer.  Many  people  would  be  highly  in- 
dignant if  asked  point  blank  if  they  wish  to  pay 
cash  for  an  article.  They  may  be  chagrined  if 
approached  in  even  a  less  blunt  way. 

The  purpose  in  getting  the  information  should  be 
kept  concealed.  If  possible,  make  the  cash  cus- 
tomer feel  that  he  is  entitled  to  a  substantial  dis- 
count if  he  is  buying  for  cash,  and  the  credit  cus- 
tomer feel  as  if  he  is  buying  at  the  same  price  as 
the  cash  customer.  This  is  another  hard  proposi- 
tion, but  it  can  be  done  if  you  use  tact. 

Now,  with  these  two  things  in  mind,  I  will  tell 
you  my  favorite  method  of  solving  this  problem. 
Suppose  a  lady  customer,  whom  I  know  nothing 
about,  comes  in  to  look  at  an  article.  There  is  no 
clue  in  her  dress  or  manner,  hence  I  must  find  out 
in  conversation.  I  would  take  her  to  a  medium- 
priced  machine,  which  in  all  probability  she  would 
not  like.  I  make  a  few  remarks  about  it  and 
point  out  a  few  good  features.  After  a  short  ex- 
planation of  this  kind,  I  quote  her  the  price  which 
is  the  credit  price.  I  follow  the  quoting  of  the  price 
with  a  statement  like  this:  "Now,  we  advance  credit 
on  this  or  any  other  machines  in  the  house, 
if  you  wish  it."  In  almost  every  case,  if  she'  is 
cash,  she  will  reply  quickly  that  she  wishes  to  pay 
cash,  or  when  she  buys  she  always  pays  cash,  etc. 
If  she  is  a  credit  customer  she  will,  in  all  probability, 
either  say  she  can't  pay  all  cash  to-day  or  she  will 
ask  about  the  credit  plan.  If  she  ignores  it  altogeth- 
er and  asks  to  see  another  machine,  it  will  usually 
turn  out  a  credit  customer. — Talking  Machine  World. 


126 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  AUGUST,  1914 


Southern  California 
Music  Company 


Los  Angeles,  San  Diego  and 
Riverside,  California 


O.  A.  Lovejoy 

Manager  of  Phonograph  Department 
Los  Angeles  Store 


Entrance  to  Phonograph  Department.     Cashier's  Desk,  Los  Angeles  Store 


One  of  the  Edison  Salesrooms,  Los  Angeles  Store 


EDISON  CYLINDER  AND  DISC  PHONOGRAPHS 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  AUGUST,  1914 


127 


WHO'S  WHO  AMONG   EDISON  JOBBERS 

EIGHTH  ARTICLE 


SOUTHERN  CALIFORNIA  MUSIC  CO 


''THE  HOUSE  OF  MUSICAL  QUALITY" 


Distributors  of  Edison  Disc  and  Cylinder  Phonographs  and 
Edison  Dictating  Machines 

332-334  South  Broadway,  Los  Angeles,  Cal. 


1530  C  Street 
San  Diego,  Cal. 


924  Main  Street 
Riverside,  Cal. 


FRANK  J.  HART,  President;  G.  S.  MARYGOLD,  Vice  President;  J.  A.  STITT,  Treasurer;  F.  E.  PETERSON,  Secretary 


EARLY  in  September  1906,  according  to  au- 
thentic records,  The  Southern  California 
Music  Company  branched  out  into  the  talking- 
machine  business.  Two  years  later,  September 
1908,  it  added  the  Edison  Dictating  Machine  to 
its  varied  lines.  In  the  intervening  years  the  House 
has  grown  steadily  with  the  development  of  southern 
California,  until  today  it  is  recognized  as  the  largest 
in  its  line  in  Los  Angeles  as  well  as  in  all  southern 
California.  It  is  frankly  admitted  that  the  success 
of  its  Phonograph  Department  is  due  very  largely, 
to  the  entire  satisfaction  which  Edison  goods  have 
given. 

One  who  has  not  lived  in  California,  particularly 
the  southern  part,  during  the  past  ten  years,  can 
form  no  adequate  conception  of  the  tremendous 
upward  trend  of  all  kinds  of  business  enterprises 
and  particularly  of  phonograph  interests.  Out 
there  they  have  a  responsive,  highly  intelligent, 
appreciative  people  to  cater  to,  and  the  spirit  of 
large  and  broad  outlook  upon  the  affairs  of  life 
seems  to  have  pervaded  the  realm  of  things  musical 
also.  The  Southern  California  Music  Company 
does  not  have  to  exploit  the  Edison  Phonograph 
as  a  musical  novelty;  it  endeavors  rather  to  show 
that  an  Edison  appeals  to  a  refined  and  keenly  ap- 
preciative musical  taste.  Business  building  on  such 
a  basis  is  both  a  pleasure  and  an  art. 

The  Edison  Phonograph  Department  of  this 
Company  is  under  the  personal  management  of 
0.  A.  Lovejoy,  who  is  assisted  in  the  management  of 
the  retail  department  by  W.  H.  Richardson.  The 
House  employs  eighteen  salesmen  at  the  Home 
Office  alone  and  these  are  kept  busy  all  day  long  in 
looking  after  the  voluminous  trade.  This  force  is 
ably  assisted  by  eight  different  parties  working  in 
the  Stock  Room,  Shipping  Department,  etc. 


In  San  Diego  the  House  keeps  six  skilful  salesmen 
busy,  and  utilizes  eight  sales  or  demonstration 
rooms  to  accommodate  its  retail  trade.  San  Diego 
is  a  fine  center  for  phonograph  sales  and  the  growth 
that  may  be  expected  there  in  a  few  years  is  second 
only  to  that  of  Los  Angeles  itself. 

The  Riverside  branch  of  the  House  is  still  another 
store  and  here  are  kept  busy  three  good  salesmen 
and  three  demonstrating  rooms.  This  section  of 
California  also  is  showing  a  remarkable  develop- 
ment. The  people  are  prosperous,  happy  and 
musical. 

The  parent  House  occupies  a  five-story  building 
at  332  and  334  South  Broadway,  Los  Angeles.  The 
Talking-Machine  Department  occupies  the  entire 
third  floor  for  retail  purposes.  There  are  eighteen 
sound-proof  salesrooms,  and  they  are  kept  busy  all 
day  long.  The  fourth  floor  is  occupied  by  the 
wholesale  end  of  the  business  and  by  the  Edison 
Dictating  Machine.  The  three  houses — Los  Ange- 
les, San  Diego,  Riverside,  cover  the  southern  portion 
of  the  State  thoroughly  and  the  business  is  over- 
leaping State  boundaries  in  several  instances.  A 
more  conservatively  managed,  enterprising  House 
in  the  Edison  line  it  would  be  hard  to  find,  and  its 
output  of  Edison  goods  is  very  large. 

The  House  conducts  a  carefully  planned,  system- 
atic campaign  of  publicity.  It  is  not  only  a  large 
user  of  newspaper  space,  but  its  methods  of  reaching 
the  public  directly  and  through  the  medium  of 
recitals,  matinees  and  special  dance  receptions  is 
certainly  unique  and  interesting.  Their  Tuesday 
and  Friday  afternoon  matinees,  2  till  4  P.  M.,  have 
gained  for  them  an  enviable  popularity  and  it  is 
not  an  uncommon  sight  to  see  from  three  to  five 
hundred  persons  thronging  the  spacious  parlors 
on  these  occasions. 


128 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  AUGUST,  1914 


WAYS   OF  WORKING  TO  INFLU- 
ENCE EDISON  SALES 
By  O.  A.  Lovejot. 

Manager  of  the  Phonograph  Department  of  the 
Southern  California  Music  Co. 

ONE  of  the  first  things  a  dealer  should  do,  I 
think,  is  to  learn  all  he  can  about  the  people 
in  whose  locality  he  is  situated.  We  expect 
the  successful  farmer  to  study  his  soil,  his  seed  and 
his  rotation  of  crops.  We  expect  him  to  conduct 
his  farming  on  some  kind  of  scientific  basis — that  is, 
if  he  is  going  to  make  more  than  a  hit-and-miss 
success  out  of  his  efforts. 

So  it  seems  to  me  an  Edison  dealer  should  study 
thoroughly  his  territory — "his  Edison  farm,"  if  I 
may  apply  the  farming  idea  to  the  phonograph  sales 
possibilities  of  a  location. 

For  instance,  out  here  in  Los  Angeles  I  made  some 
discoveries  that  were  quite  a  surprise  to  me.  In  the 
first  place  I  learned  that  seventy  per  cent,  of  the 
music  teachers  own  their  own  homes,  or  are  paying 
for  them  in  installments.  Still  another  significant 
fact  came  to  my  attention,  that  right  here  in  Los 
Angeles  2,200  instrumental  teachers  are  getting  not 
less  than  a  dollar  a  lesson.  Just  stop  a  minute  and 
figure  that  out.  322,000  a  week  o:  nearly  a  million 
and  a  quarter  a  year  paid  for  music  instruction  in 
Los  Angeles  alone! 

Well,  that  wasn't  all.  I  learned  on  good  author- 
ity that  there  are  twenty-four  dealers  running  piano 
establishments  here,  and  average  a  sale  of  some  600 
pianos  or  more  a  month.  They  are  collecting  on  the 
installment  basis  over  32,000,000  a  year! 

Well,  what  has  all  this  to  do  with  the  phonograph 
business?  Very  much!  It  emphasizes  the  love  of 
music  in  Los  Angeles,  and  also  indicates  that  people 
not  only  want  to  hear  music,  but  be  able  to  play  it. 
There  I  have  my  key  to  the  situation;  I  find  im- 
mense encouragement  in  that  fact  when  I  think  of 
how  the  Edison  Disc  is  to  meet  their  craving  for  the 
better  class  of  music  and  provide  a  means  of  hearing 
the  best  long  before,  as  students  of  music,  they  can 
learn  to  play  it.  Aren't  those  valuable  facts  ?  Don't 
they  seem  to  indicate  how  a  well-informed  dealer  is 
to  aim  to  get  his  trade? 

Basing  now  our  knowledge  of  the  situation  on 
what  we  have  discovered,  how  should  a  real,  live, 
energetic  Edison  dealer  go  to  work?  That  brings 
me  directly  to  my  subject:  "Ways  of  Working  to 
Influence  Edison  Trade." 

In  the  first  place  I  would  aim  to  secure  as  large  a 
representative  list  of  music-loving  people  as  I  pos- 
sibly could.  They  exist  right  here;  the  above  facts 
show  that  indisputably.  How  is  a  dealer  to  get  in 
touch  with  them?  There  occurs  to  me  four  meth- 
ods, but  they  are  by  no  means  all  the  avenues  of 
approach  open  to  a  live  dealer. 


The  Daily  Papers  suggest  one  way.  Advertise  in 
these  so  as  to  reach  music  lovers.  Scan  the  papers 
daily  and  systematically  for  names  of  those  who  are 
mentioned  in  cultured  circles  in  connection  with  any 
event  of  importance.  Just  how  to  word  the  adver- 
tisement should  be  a  study,  but  the  appeal  should 
always  be  made  to  the  cultured.  I  once  knew  a 
successful  publisher  who  had  the  habit  of  marking 
his  daily  paper  and  then  passing  it  on  to  a  clerk  to 
find  the  full  address  of  the  names  checked,  and  enter 
them  in  a  book  for  a  choice  mailing  list.  Some  such 
method  soon  puts  one  on  the  track  of  an  invaluable 
list.  In  our  business  we  use  a  select  list  which  we 
get  from  the  daily  papers.  These  names  we  follow 
up  with  a  circular-letter  and  good  Edison  advertis- 
ing material,  and  very  good  results  are  produced. 

The  Dance  Craze  suggests  another  lead.  You 
can't  dance  without  music,  and  dancers  are  all 
(more  or  less)  music  lovers.  So  bait  your  hook  that 
you  get  hold  of  the  dancers,  and  you  will  probably 
get  a  lot  of  music-loving  people  right  at  the  same 
time.  We  have  lately  inaugurated  a  scheme  to 
popularize  the  use  of  the  phonograph  as  a  means 
of  furnishing  music  for  dancing.  We  have  engaged 
two  of  the  leading  exponents  of  the  modern  dancing 
here  in  Los  Angeles,  to  give  matinee  parties  in  our 
parlors  on  Tuesday  and  Friday  afternoons.  It  is 
nothing  unusual  for  us  to  have  crowds  of  from  three 
to  four  hundred  present.  This  becomes  a  social 
affair  and  is  given  considerable  publicity  in  the  daily 
papers,  thus  drawing  still  others. 

Working  with  Organizations  is  still  another  scheme 
that  brings  one  in  touch  with  music-loving  people. 
It  is  a  good  plan  to  favor  every  social  organization 
as  much  as  possible,  with  all  the  help  in  your  power. 
I  recall  an  instance  where  a  literary  and  musical 
entertainment  was  to  be  given  by  a  local  church. 
Our  Company  gladly  furnished  the  music  on  an 
Edison  Disc  and  thereby  secured  much  publicity  for 
the  Disc.  There  are  Lodges,  Women's  Meetings 
and  a  hundred  other  societies  that  would  be  glad  to 
have  just  such  co-operation.  Let  the  dealer  go  out 
after  them.     No  better  advertising  can  be  desired! 

And,  finally  (for  my  space  is  getting  short),  let  me 
mention  just  one  more  way.  The  Private  Drawing 
Room  Recital.  Undoubtedly  this  is  by  far  the  hard- 
est to  secure,  but  yet  the  most  valuable,  if  the  in- 
fluential home  is  open.  In  carrying  out  this  plan  to 
reach  music-loving  people,  every  tinge  of  commer- 
cialism should  be  eliminated,  else  it  will  be  scorned 
by  the  very  people  whose  silent  endorsement  is  most 
valuable.  Where  this  form  of  introduction  of  the 
Edison  Disc  is  once  properly  conducted,  there  results 
an  appreciable  entree  into  the  most  exclusive  music 
circles,  that  means  good  sales  among  a  very  desirable 
class  of  people. 

I  might  go  on  and  mention  one  plan  after  another 
to  a  dealer  who  is  willing  to  work  and  sow  the  good 
seed,   waiting  for  the  harvest  sure  to  come. 


THE  DIAMOND  DISC 

Matters  of  Special  Interest  to  Disc  Jobbers  and  Dealers 

THE  NEW  PLAN  OF  DISC  RECORD 
DISTRIBUTION 


A  SHORT  time  ago  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee of  the  Edison  Disc  Jobbers 
Association  came  to  us  with  a  new 
plan  for  listing  and  distributing  Edison 
Diamond-Disc  Records.  The  plan  is  a 
novel  one,  but  with  the  full  co-opera- 
tion of  all  the  jobbers  and  dealers  it  can 
be  made  a  great  success.  The  Execu- 
tive Committee  gave  us  every  assurance 
of  the  jobbers'  and  dealers'  co-operation, 
and  we  have  decided  to  adopt  the  re- 
commendations of  the  committee. 

The  chief  advantage  will  be  that  we 
shall  be  able  to  utilize  in  the  fullest 
degree  the  new  and  perfected  manu- 
facturing technique  that  Mr.  Edison 
has  developed,  and  give  a  continuous 
supply  of  new  records  that  will  stimu- 
late the  interest  of  both  dealer  and  con- 
sumer. 

SALIENT   FEATURES  OF  THE 
PLAN. 

1.  We  discontinue  at  once  the  pre- 
sent method  of  infrequently  listing 
records  in  supplements. 

2.  Instead,  we  shall  begin  to  manu- 
facture and  ship  WEEKLY  supplements 
of  SIX  records.  The  records  will  be 
numbered  in  the  usual  way. 

3.  Under  the  new  plan  there  will  be 
no  constant  and  universal  date  on  which 
the  records  are  to  go  on  sale.  Instead, 
an  entirely  new  arrangement  has  been 
adopted  by  which  the  supplements  are 
to  be  released  for  sale  by  States.  This 
is  the  way  of  it;  when  each  jobber  re- 
ceives his  shipment  he  immediately 
wires  to  the  factory  a  notice  of  the  fact. 
When  all  jobbers  doing  substantial  busi- 
ness in  any  one  State  have  been  heard 
from,  the  date  for  mailing  supplements 
and  placing  the  records  on  sale  in  that 


State  will  be  wired  by  factory  to  each 
of  such  jobbers.  In  this  way  the  factory, 
as  far  as  possible,  will  endeavor  to  prevent 
encroachments  upon  territory  and  un- 
fair advantage  being  taken  by  one  jobber 
of  another.  When  the  jobber  fills  the 
dealer's  weekly  supplement  order  for 
new  Disc  records  he  will  invariably 
accompany  the  same  with  a  communi- 
cation containing  the  following:  "The 
date  on  which  Thomas  A.  Edison,  Inc., 
authorized   these   records   to  go  on   sale 

in    the    State   of   is    

(here  date  will  be  inserted).  They  must 
not  be  displayed,  demonstrated,  offered 
for  sale  or  sold  before  8  A.  M.  of  that 
day." 

Dealers  will  be  required  to  observe 
this  strictly. 

4.  It  is  understood  that  the  factory 
is  not  to  be  held  to  a  hard  and  fast  obli- 
gation to  continue  to  supply  six  new 
records  each  week.  It  may  sometimes 
be  necessary  to  run  over  say  ten  days  or 
more  in  getting  out  a  particular  supple- 
ment of  six  records,  but  the  weekly 
schedule  will  be  resumed  in  such  in- 
stances as  soon  as  possible. 

ADVANTAGES  OF  THE  NEW  PLAN 

Obviously  so  radical  a  change  of 
method  must  possess  immediate  and 
very  definite  advantages,  and  we  sub- 
mit the  following  as  the  principal  reasons 
why  we  have  adopted  the  new  plan  and 
presented  it  to  our  jobbers  for  their 
co-operation  in  working  it  out  to  a 
successful  operation: 

1.  It  insures  an  immediate  and  con- 
tinuous flow  of  absolutely  new  records 
and  in  satisfactory  quantities  with 
which  to  attract  the  interest  of  the  pros- 
pective customer  and  retain  the  good 
will  and  invaluable  "boost"  of  the  old. 
The  listing  of  a  new  record  practically 
every  day  is  a  strong  talking  point.  The 
weekly    lists    of    new    records    give    the 

129 


130  EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  AUGUST,  1914 


dealers  a  great  opening  for  newspaper 
advertising  and  show  window  placard- 
ing. 

2.  It  contributes  to  the  rapid  build- 
ing of  a  representative  catalog. 

3.  It  enables  the  factory  to  list 
timely,  popular  selections  and  place  them 
in  the  hands  of  the  trade  when  the  wave 
of  their  popularity  is  on  the  rise.  Fully 
two  months  time  will  be  gained  in  this 
way  and  no  jobber  will  receive  an  ad- 
vantage over  another,  as  is  the  case 
under  the  present  scheme  where  a  selec- 
tion may  have  lost  its  popularity  in 
some  sections  of  the  country  by  the  time 
it  is  listed — although  still  popular  in 
other  sections. 

4.  It  does  not  confine  the  factory  to 
an  announced,  cataloged  supplement,  in 
manufacturing  which  unforeseen  delays 
may  present  themselves  to  the  common 
disadvantage  of  all  concerned. 

5.  It  makes  it  possible  for  the  fac- 
tory to  re-incorporate  in  a  weekly  sup- 
plement selections  that  have  taken  on  a 
new  spurt  of  popularity  or  on  which  the 
demand  has  greatly  exceeded  the  original 
orders;  as  also  any  selections  that  we 
have  been  unable  to  supply  and  that  are 
now  temporarily  withdrawn  from  the 
catalog. 


1910  phonographs  sold  in  the  United  States  were 
valued  at  368,000,000.  And,  today,  the  volume 
of  our  business  is  greater  by  far  than  what  we  did 
in  1910,  although  the  number  of  machines  sold  is 
not  so  large. 


A  BIRD'S  EYE  VIEW  OF  THE 
PHONOGRAPH  BUSINESS 
$50,000  per  Month  Expended  in  Minne- 
apolis Alone  for  Phonographs 

VERY  few  people,  even  those  directly  engaged 
in  retailing  phonographs  and  records,  have 
any  just  conception  of  magnitude  of  the 
business  as  a  whole  in  the  United  States  alone. 
The  above  statement  that  350,000  is  expended 
each  month  in  Minneapolis  alone,  is  vouched  for 
by  the  leading  phonograph  jobbers  and  retailers 
in  that  city.  One  sales  manager  connected  with 
one  of  the  largest  phonograph  manufacturers  says 
that  he  thinks  the  estimate  a  very  conservative 
one  for  Minneapolis.  If  so,  it  means  over  half  a 
million  dollars  annually  is  expended  there  for 
phonographs  and  records.  And  what  is  true  of 
Minneapolis  is  doubtless  true  in  large  degree  of 
other  cities  of  equal  or  even  larger  population. 
One  dealer  in  Minneapolis  showed  receipts  which 
indicated  that  his  own  sales  average  nearly  320,000 
a  month,  and  he  confessed  to  handling  perhaps 
a  third  of  the  business  done  there.  "It  is  my 
opinion,"  he  said,  "that  the  phonograph  business 
is   running  the  piano   business   a   close  race.     In 


STOCK    UP    ON    DIAMOND    DISC 
RECORDS 

RECENTLY  we  have  received  inventories  of  the 
Edison  Diamond  Disc  record  stocks  of  a  con- 
siderable number  of  dealers,  and  we  are  sur- 
prised to  observe  that  some  of  them  are  out  of  Dia- 
mond Disc  records  which  we  have  in  stock  and, 
subject  to  prior  sale,  can  ship  to  jobbers  imme- 
diately. We  have  prepared  a  list  (by  number  and 
title)  of  records,  some  of  which  certain  dealers  did 
not  have  in  stock  when  their  inventories  were  made. 
This,  of  course,  does  not  mean  that  any  dealer  was 
without  all  of  these  records.  It  is  simply  a  list  in- 
cluding various  records  which — here  and  there — 
were  found  "out  of  stock"  when  the  above  inven- 
tories were  checked  up.  This  list  may  be  had  on 
application  if  not  already  received.  A  similar  list  is 
being  sent  to  all  Edison  Diamond  Disc  jobbers. 
These  records  are  available  for  shipment  to  jobbers, 
subject  to  prior  sale. 

Will  Edison  Disc  dealers  kindly  go  over  their 
stock  of  Diamond  Disc  records  and  see  if  they  are 
short  on  any  of  the  selections.  If  so,  will  they 
please  place  an  order  for  such  selections  with  their 
jobber  immediately.  The  smallest  stock  of  Dia- 
mond Disc  records  should  contain  at  least  one  of 
every  record  available,  and  no  dealer  who  does  not 
carry  at  least  one  of  every  record  is  giving  the  line 
the  representation  contemplated  by  his  license 
agreement.  We  have  received  complaints  from 
users  in  this  connection,  and  it  is  necessary  that  we 
insist  that  all  dealers  carry  complete  stock  of  all 
available  records.      

SOLD    IN    FOUR   MINUTES  TO   A 
PASSERBY 

CHARMED  with  the  quality  of  the  music 
emanating  from  an  open  store  door,  Mr. 
Range,  the  local  manager  for  the  National 
Cash  Register  Co.  at  Washington,  D.  C,  stopped 
and  listened.  He  stepped  inside  the  door  and  when 
the  record  was  finished  said,  "That's  mine."  Then 
he  left  his  address  and  walked  away,  giving  just  a 
parting  injunction,  "Send  it  up  to  my  house  to-day, 
sure!"  It  was  an  Edison  Disc  Phonograph.  Since 
then  he  has  stopped  again  at  the  open  door  to  thank 
the  McKee  Instrument  Co.,  who  negotiated  the 
sale,  for  their  courtesy  and  promptness. 

If  one  is  looking  for  a  reason  for  keeping  "open 
shop"  these  warm  days,  here  is  a  pretty  good 
and  conclusive  one.  Let  the  Disc  be  HEARD — 
that's  all! 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  AUGUST,  1914 


131 


EX-SENATOR  J.  C.  BURROWS  OF 
MICHIGAN  ENJOYS  HIS  EDI- 
SON DIAMOND  DISC 

ONE  of  the  newest  Edison  enthusiasts  is  ex- 
Senator  Burrows  of  Kalamazoo,  Mich.,  who 
recently  purchased  a  3250  Disc  through 
"Fischer's  Music  Shop"  of  his  home  town.  The 
Senator  is  considerable  of  a  music-lover  and  has 
made  quite  a  little  study  of  sound-reproducing  in- 
struments. The  Edison  Disc  happened  to  be  the 
last  of  such  instruments  brought  to  his  attention, 
and  he  was  at  once  charmed  with  the  quality  of  the 
tone  and  the  clear  and  sweet  reproduction.  Selec- 
tion after  selection  was  played  for  him  and  he  grew 
enthusiastic.  Now  that  he  has  an  Edison  Disc  in 
his  own  drawing-room  he  spends  many  delightful 
evenings  listening  to  it.  The  above  photograph 
shows  the  Senator  on  one  of  these  occasions.  His 
Edison  repertoire  is  rapidly  growing,  as  each  new 
selection  seems  to  give  him  great  pleasure  and  satis- 
faction. The  Senator  has  become  one  of  the  best 
Edison  enthusiasts  in  the  whole  State  of  Michigan. 


SECRETARY   OF   STATE   BRYAN 
AN  EDISON  DISC  ENTHUSIAST 

BUSY  as  the  Secretary  of  State  has  been  these 
days,  he  yet  found  time  to  stop  at  the  store 
of  the  McKee  Instrument  Company  in  Wash- 
ington and  was  so  charmed  with  the  two  selections 
he  heard  on  the  Edison  Diamond  Disc  at  that  time, 
that  he  requested  one  of  the  cabinet  machines  sent 
to  his  residence,  pending  his  final  decision  as  to 
purchase.  The  affairs  of  State  pressed  heavily  upon 
his  time,  so  he  used  to  have  the  disc  played  while 
dressing.  He  became  an  enthusiast;  As  a  result  he 
bought  one  of  the  #450  models  with  a  generous  supply 
of  Records.  He  has  expressed  his  satisfaction  and 
pleasure  in  a  letter  to  the  McKee  Instrument  Co.: 
"I  have  been  enjoying  the  Edison  Disc  Phono- 
graph long  enough  to  be  sure  that  I  shall  like  it, 
and  from  your  list  of  records  we  have  selected  a 
number  that  please  us  very  much.  I  am  not  sur- 
prised that  there  is  an  ever-increasing  demand  for 
these  instruments.  They  give  to  families,  at  small 
cost,  the  best  there  is  in  music  and  are  a  real  and  per- 
manent addition  to  the  amusements  of  the  masses." 


132 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  AUGUST,  1914 


EDISON  DISC  BOOMING 
EVERYWHERE 


Our  Illinois  traveling  representative,  C.  S.  Gard- 
ner, recently  started  off  on  a  vacation,  but  stopped 
en  route  at  Canton,  Ohio,  where  he  landed  a  310,000 
order  from  Klein  &  Heffelmann  there.  Pretty  good 
vacation  stunt! 


Six  car  loads  of  Disc  instruments  recently  left  the 
factory,  all  consigned  to  Pardee-Ellenberger  Co., 
New  Haven  and  Boston.  Summer  dullness  is  not 
worrying  these  enterprising  jobbers. 


One  of  the  largest  and  finest  Department  stores 
in  the  South,  Foreman,  Joseph  &  Loeb,  Birmingham, 
Ala.,  have  recently  taken  on  the  Edison  Disc  and 
have  sent  in  a  substantial  first  order.  The  credit 
for  bringing  this  firm  into  the  Edison  fold  belongs 
to  Mr.  Reynolds  of  the  Silverstone  Music  Co.,  St. 
Louis,  Mo. 


Blake  &  Burhart,  Philadelphia,  only  recently  took 
hold  of  the  disc.  We  had  the  pleasure  of  receiving 
an  order  for  over  312,000  the  other  day  from  them, 
and  this  wasn't  the  first  order  either.  They  are 
getting  in  good  work  by  fine  recitals  at  their  beauti- 
ful store. 


If  you  have  ever  been  in  the  White  Mountains 
and  spent  an  evening  at  "The  Wentworth,"  Jeffer- 
son, N.  H.,  you  do  not  need  to  be  told  what  a  royal 
host  the  proprietor,  J.  C.  Wentworth,  is.  His  popu- 
larity now  is  greater  than  ever  because  of  a  new 
Edison  Disc  which  is  much  admired  and  enjoyed 
by  his  many  patrons.  Pardee-Ellenberger  of  Bos- 
ton placed  the  order  and  now  hold  an  enthusiastic 
autographed  letter  of  commendation,  which  they 
are  using  with  telling  effect  on  other  summer  resort 
proprietors. 


Among  the  new  California  dealers  signing  up 
recently  for  the  Edison  disc  line  are:  The  Wilson 
Music  Co.,  Pasadena;  Merle  &  Son,  Escondido; 
Wm.  Torkington  &  Son,  San  Andreas,  and  the 
John  Breuner  Co.,  of  Sacramento. 

At  the  testimonial  dinner  to  E.  Furman  Hooper, 
Postmaster-elect  of  Trenton,  N.  J.,  given  April  16th, 
1914,  by  the  Democratic  League  of  Trenton,  N.  J., 
the  Edison  Disc  Phonograph  dispensed  the  music. 
The  instrument  was  loaned  by  the  Stoll  Stationery 
Company  of  Trenton,  for  the  occasion  and  was  most 
favorably  commented  upon. 


a  3250  Edison  Disc  for  rendering  a  solo  at  one  of 
their  Sunday  services.  The  Pastor,  Rev.  J'.  Roy 
Van  Wyck  says,  "It  did  more  for  us  than  I  expected. 
The  audience  was  delighted.  I  feel  that  for  many 
small  churches  the  Edison  Disc  is  the  solution  of 
the  problem  of  procuring  satisfactory  solos  at  their 


The  Elks  of  Ottumwa,  Iowa,  have  installed  a 
3250  Edison  Disc  in  their  lodge  and  are  delighted 
with  it.  The  G.  B.  Baker  Piano  Company,  of  that 
city,  secured  the  order. 


The  new  Edison  Disc  Department  in  the  Cun- 
ningham Piano  Store  at  the  corner  of  Eleventh 
and  Chestnut  Streets  is  one  of  the  busiest  places 
of  its  kind  in  Philadelphia,  demonstrations  of  the 
Edison  machines  being  given  under  the  supervision 
of  Mrs.  M.  L.  May.  The  new  department,  which 
has  been  handsomely  fitted  up,  occupies  the  larger 
part  of  the  space  on  the  ground  floor  of  the  Cun- 
ningham store,  all  of  the  pianos,  except  those  in 
the  show  window,  having  been  removed  to  the 
second  and  third  floors. 


The  Frazier-LoBello  Music  Co.,  Kansas  City, 
Mo.,  has  taken  the  agency  for  the  Edison  disc 
phonograph  and  will  push  it  vigorously  in  conjunc- 
tion with  its  piano  and  piano-player  trade.  Five 
Edison  machines  were  sold  during  the  first  week, 
a  very  fair  record,  according  to  J.  F.  Ware,  sales 
manager  of  the  company.  Two  of  those  sold  were 
at  3200,  while  one  was  a  3250  instrument. 


Our  Disc  dealers  at  Chatham,  Ontario,  Canada, 
recently  loaned  St.   Andrews    Church  of  their  town 


Very  handsome  quarters  have  been  opened  at 
213  Second  Street,  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  by  the  Mil- 
waukee Phonograph  Company  for  the  exclusive 
sale  of  Edison  products.  And  the  concern  is  meet- 
ng  with  great  success  in  their  sales  and  in  securing 
new  dealers. 

There  is  bound  to  be  a  big  demand  for  the  Edison 
Disc  goods,  for  the  public  are  rapidly  finding  out 
what  a  wonderful  instrument  the  new  Edison 
Disc  really  is.  I  know  of  no  proposition  that  holds 
a  brighter  future  than  that  of  an  Edison  Disc  agency 
says  Louis  Bellaire,  Le  Mars,  Iowa. 

The  Girard  Phonograph  Company,  Tenth  and 
Berks  Sts.,  Philadelphia,  have  elaborately  fitted 
up  their  quarters  and  are  handling  both  disc  and 
cylinder  lines  of  Edison  goods.  The  company  will 
do  both  a  jobbing  and  a  retail  business. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  AUGUST,  1914 


133 


THOMAS  CHALMERS,  Baritone 


THOUGH  a  comparatively  young  man,  Thomas 
Chalmers  has  already  gained  considerable 
prominence  in  the  musical  -world.  He  has 
studied  singing  under  several  well-known  New 
York  vocal  teachers,  and  while  pursuing  a  business 
career  sang  successfully  in  concert  and  church  work 
in  and  about  New  York;  his  last  church  position 
being  with  the  Church  of  the  Ascension,  Fifth 
Avenue. 

He  studied  under  Vincenzo  Lombardi  of  Florence, 
singing  instructor  of  Caruso,  the  Lucia,  Riccardo 
Martin  and  many  other  prominent  singers,  and 
made  his  debut  as  Marcello  in  Puccini's  "Boheme" 
with  a  marked  success.     He  was  then  engaged  by 


Henry  W.  Savage  in  Milan  for  his  tour  of  Puccini's 
"Girl  of  the  Golden  West,"  with  which  he  sang 
during  the  season  of  1911-12,  in  a  coast  to  coast 
tour  in  which  he  won  unstinted  praise  in  the  role  of 
Jack  Ranee,  the  Sheriff. 

Mr.  Chalmers'  voice  is  a  rich  baritone  which  sev- 
eral years  of  careful  training  by  expert  masters  has 
rounded  into  a  most  pleasing  instrument.  Though 
powerful,  it  is  well  modulated  and  under  perfect 
control. 

Mr.  Chalmers  is  now  (1913-14)  one  of  the  lead- 
ing baritones  and  most  popular  members  of  the 
Century  Grand  Opera  Company,  New  York  City. 


CHALMERS,  ON  DIAMOND  DISC  RECORDS 


50057  Beauty's  Eyes,  Tosti;  Reverse:  Love  Me  and 
the  World  is  Mine,  Ball,  Tenor 

Charles  W.  Harrison 

82041  Because  You're  You— Red  Mill,  Herbert, 
with  Elizabeth  Spencer,  Soprano;  Re- 
verse: The  Bird's  Reply,  West 

Mixed  Quartet 

80055  Carry  Me  Back  to  Old  Virginny,  Bland, 
with  Chorus;  Reverse:  O  Promise  Me — 
Robin  Hood,  de  Koven,  Soprano 

Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Chorus 

82031  Evening  Star — Tannhauser  Wagner,  in 
English;  Reverse:  Vesta  la  giubba  (Put 
on  thy  smock) — I  Pagliacci,  Leoncavallo , 
Tenor,  in  English  Reed  Miller 

80047  Flee  as  a  Bird,  Dana,  with  Chorus;  Reverse: 
In  the  Sweet  Bye  and  Bye,  Webster,  Bari- 
tone Thomas  Chalmers  and  Chorus 

80010  Ever  of  Thee  I'm  Fondly  Dreaming,  Hall, 
with  Elizabeth  Spencer,  Soprano;  Re- 
verse: Darling  Nellie  Gray,  Hanby 

Mixed  Quartet 

50069  Forgotten,  Cowles;  Reverse:  Bonnie  Sweet 
Bessie,  Gilbert,  Soprano 

Marie  Narelle  and  Chorus 

80117  Heart  Bow'd  Down — Bohemian  Girl,  Balfe; 
Reverse:  Bonnie  Doon  (Ye  Banks  and 
Braes),  Burns,  Contralto 

Christine  Miller  and  Chorus 

80114     In  Happy  Moments — Maritana,    Wallace; 
Reverse:  Lover  and  the  Bird,  Guglielmo 
Mixed  Quartet 

80047  In  the  Sweet  Bye  and  Bye,  Webster,  with 
Chorus;  Reverse:  Flee  as  a  Bird,  Dana, 
Baritone     Thomas  Chalmers  and  Chorus 


80064  Kathleen  Mavourneen,CrowfA,  with  Chorus; 
Reverse:  Beautiful  Isle  of  Somewhere, 
Fearis,  Tenor  and  Baritone 

John  Young,  Frederick  J.  Wheeler  and 
Edison  Mixed  Quartet 

82020  My  Old  Kentucky  Home,  Foster,  with 
Chorus;  Reverse:  Believe  Me  if  All  Those 
Endearing  Young  Charms,  Moore,  Con- 
tralto Eleonora  de  Cisneros 

80074  Nearer,  My  God,  to  Thee,  Mason,  with 
Chorus;  Reverse:  Dreams  of  Galilee, 
Morrison,   Soprano,  Tenor  and  Basso 

Elizabeth  Spencer,  John  Young  and 
William  F.  Hooley 

50067  On  the  Road  to  Mandalay,  Kipling-Prince, 
with  Chorus;  Reverse:  Danny  Deever, 
Kipling-Damrosch,  Baritone 

Marcus  Kellermann  and  Chorus 

825 10     O,  That  We  Two  Were  Maying,  Alice  Mary 
Smith,  with  Elizabeth  Spencer,  Soprano; 
Reverse:  In  the  Evening  by  the  Moon- 
light, Dear  Louise,  H.  von  Tilzer,  Tenor 
Harvey  Hindermeyer  and  Chorus 

82040  Silent  Night— Christmas  Carol,  Gruber, 
with  Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Royal  Fish, 
Soprano  and  Tenor;  Reverse:  Bird  on  the 
Wing,  Mey  Mixed  Quartet 

80067  Vivra!  Contende  il  giubilo  (Oh,  joy!  he's 
saved) — II  Trovatore,  Verdi,  in  English, 
with  Agnes  Kimball,  Soprano;  Reverse: 
Ah!  So  Pure — Martha,  von  Flotow,  Tenor, 
in  English  Orville  Harrold 


For  List  of  Thomas  Chalmers'  Blue  Amberol  Records  see  page  142. 
"Stage  Fright  Before  the  Phonograph,"  by  Thomas  Chalmers,  see  page  142. 


134 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  AUGUST,  1914 


CREATING  STATE-WIDE   EDISON 
DISC  SENTIMENT 

Iowa  Realizes  the  Beauty  and  Utility  of  the 

Edison  Disc 


CREATING  "an  Edison  sentiment"  is  the 
desideratum  which  every  Edison  jobber  or 
dealer  earnestly  desires  and  tries  to  plan  for. 
It  is  like  a  little  leaven,  which,  in  time  will  leaven 
the  whole  lump.  It  must  begin  in  the  personal 
interview,  perhaps  in  the  dealer's  own  store,  or  in 
the  private  drawing-room.  It  must  be  fostered  like 
a  tender  plant  and  brought  to  grow  and  spread  out. 
Such  a  sentiment  can  be  killed  by  indiscreet  methods 
or  too  hasty  pressure  to  expand  its  influence,  and 
so  become  an  adverse  influence.  Nowhere  is  this 
more  likely  to  happen  than  in  the  misuse  of  privi- 
leges for  demonstrating  the  Disc  in  private  homes  or 
under  special  concessions. 

When  this  favorable  Edison  sentiment  is  care- 
fully developed  it  grows  and  multiplies  till  it  ex- 
pands beyond  city  limits  and  becomes  State-wide. 
Just  such  a  condition  is  happening  in  several  States, 
and  we  have  taken  as  an  example  the  State  of  Iowa. 
Under  fostering  care  the  whole  State  now  is  begin- 
ning to  "realize  the  beauty  and  the  utility  of  the 
Edison  Disc."  Not  only  individuals,  but  schools, 
churches,  lodges,  as  well  as  other  organizations,  are 
becoming   thoroughly    awakened    to   the    possibili- 


ties of  an  instrument  so  marvelously  adapted  to 
bring  culture,  refinement  and  musical  enjoyment 
to  every  home.  The  following  are  only  a  few  of  the 
many  testimonials  which  show  how  widespread  the 
Edison  sentiment  has  become  in  one  State — Iowa. 

Our  object  in  thus  presenting  these  testimonials 
is  to  show  two  things.  (1)  That  it  pays  to  sow  the 
seed  broadcast  and  to  sow  it  intelligently  on  in- 
stitutional as  well  as  domestic  soil.  (2)  That  these 
testimonials  (and  others  of  like  character,  any- 
where) can  be  used  as  a  powerful  factor  in  getting 
still  more  publicity  of  the  most  valuable  kind. 

Have  you,  Mr.  Dealer,  neglected  to  get  testi- 
monials from  your  patrons?  If  so,  you  are  losing 
a  valuable  aid  to  greater  success  right  in  your 
neighborhood. 

"Creating  an  Edison  sentiment"  is  delightful 
work  when  once  started  and  it  grows  more  enjoyable 
and  profitable  as  the  testimonials  pour  in.  Let 
every  Edison  dealer  seek  to  create  in  his  own  terri- 
tory a  sentiment  so  broad-spread  that  it  will  be 
easier  and  easier  to  influence  sales.  Look  to  your 
honors,  gentlemen — the  honors  of  some  good 
testimonials  from  those  you  have  served! 


A  Few  of  Many  Delighted  Edison  Disc  Owners  in  Iowa 


THE  TONE  IS  SO  WONDERFUL,  IT  IS  CON- 
STANTLY LISTENED  TO 

"I  think  the  Edison  Disc  by  far  the  greatest  and 
most  wonderful  tone-reproducing  instrument  that 
has  ever  been  invented.  We  have  this  instrument 
in  our  Club  Room,  and  there  is  not  an  hour  in  the 
day  when  it  is  not  playing." — T.  J.  Nolan,  Grand 
Knight  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus,  Des  Moines, 
Iowa. 


THE  MOST  WONDERFUL  TONE  REPRO- 
DUCER IN  THE  WORLD 

"I  have  in  my  home  a  New  Edison  Disc  machine. 
I  think  it  the  most  wonderful  tone  reproducer  in  the 
world,  and  if  Mr.  Edison  knew  the  pleasure  that 
this  machine  has  brought  into  our  home,  or  into  any 
home  it  may  be  placed  in,  he  would  be  repaid  to 
some  extent  for  the  result  of  his  wonderful  efforts." 
— J.  Ragatz,  Cashier,  Potosi  State  Bank,  Potosi,  Wis. 


THE  EDISON  DISC  A  WELCOME  CHANGE 
"We  think  the  Edison  Disc  far  superior  to  the 

which  we  formerly  owned.     The  wonderful 

tones  in  orchestra  and  band  music  especially  appeals 
to  us.  We  find  the  violin  numbers  simply  wonder- 
ful. We  cannot  explain  just  why  the  Edison  is  so 
wonderful,  but  we  do  know  that  practically  every 
friend  who  hears  it  marvels  at  the  clearness  of  tone 
and  the  smoothness  of  its  music.     We  became  so 

tired  of  our ;  but  we  apparently  never  will 

tire  of  the  music  from  the  Edison.  To  state  it 
mildly:  We  are  more  than  pleased  with  the  Edison 
Disc." — W.  A.  Kaynor,  Dubuque,  Iowa. 


THE  EDISON  NOW  SUPREME  IN  THIS 
HOME 

"Really  it  is  the  only  good  disc  phonograph  on 
the  market.  I  had  two  others  in  my  house  at  the 
time  I  purchased  the  Edison;  but  they  are  gone 
now." — L.  H.  Metzyer,  Council  Bluffs.  Iowa. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  AUGUST,  1914 


135 


SURELY  IN  A  CLASS  BY  ITSELF 
"I  want  to  express  my  appreciation  of  Mr.  Edi- 
son's wonderful  Disc  Phonograph.  I  am  more  than 
pleased  with  it.  It  surely  is  in  a  class  by  itself. 
The  tones  are  reproduced  so  naturally  that  I  often 
notice  people,  when  passing  my  house,  stop  and 
listen  to  the  songs  and  then  look  about  and  try  to 
locate  the  singer." — A.  E.  McCallum,  Dentist,  Story 
City,  Iowa. 

INDISPENSABLE  NOW 
"I  have  played  one  of  the  Edison  Diamond  Disc 
Phonographs  for  several  months  now,  and  I  think 
it  is  the  finest  tone-reproducing  instrument  I  have 
ever  listened  to.  I  would  not  be  without  it  in  my 
home  for  any  amount  of  money." — Thos.  J.  Davies, 
Des  Moines,  Iowa. 


AFTER  HEARING  THE  EDISON  NO  OTHER 
WILL  DO 
"It  is  the  most  natural  toned  instrument  I  have 
ever  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing.  After  hearing  the 
Edison  I  do  not  care  to  hear  any  other  machine." — 
W.  C.  Kirchheck,  Delaware,  Iowa. 


ITS  TONES  SO  LIFE-LIKE 
"The  Edison  Disc  Phonograph  is  a  pleasure  and 
delight  to  us  and  to  all  talking  machine  owners  who 
hear  it.  Our  friends  who  have  heard  our  instru- 
ment (many  of  them  good  musicians)  have  been 
strong  in  their  praise  of  the  quality  of  its  tones,  its 
life-like  resemblance  and  strength." — Chas.  E.  Hall, 
Omaha,  Neb. 


THE  REPRODUCTION  PERFECT 
"As  a  tone-reproducing  instrument  I  think  it  is 
wonderful.     The  tones  to  my  way  of  thinking  are 
exact  reproductions  of  the  original." — John  Nelson, 
Fail,  Iowa. 


BROUGHT  COMFORT,  SATISFACTION 
AND  PLEASURE 

"Should  I  be  obliged  to  part  with  the  several 
musical  instruments  I  have  at  home,  I  most  cer- 
tainly would  hold  on  to  my  Edison  Disc.  It  has 
brought  to  our  home  more  comfort,  satisfaction  and 
pleasure  than  anything  I  have  ever  had.  Several  of 
my  friends  have  been  most  readily  convinced  to  pur- 
chase one  just  like  it  after  hearing  mine.  It  would 
be  impossible  for  me  to  offer  a  word  in  any  way 
detrimental  to  this  wonderful  musical  instrument." 
— Frank  KesL  Des  Moines,  Iowa. 


MIGHTY  WELL  PLEASED 
"I  bought  an  Edison  Disc  Phonograph  some 
months  ago  and  am  mighty  well  pleased  with  it. 
I  have  used  other  popular  instruments  and  am 
familiar  with  their  tone  reproduction,  and  am  con- 
vinced that  the  Edison  is  far  superior.  In  my 
judgment  it  is  beyond  comparison.  It  is  a  mar- 
velous achievement.  And  then  there  is  the  un- 
breakable and  the  wearproof  record  and  the  per- 
manent diamond  point  Reproducer.  These  two 
features  alone  are  sufficient  reasons  for  preferring 
the  Edison." — E.  S.  Tesdell,  Des  Moines,  Iowa. 


HAS  GIVEN  ABSOLUTE  SATISFACTION 
"We  are  greatly  pleased  with  our  Edison  Disc 
Phonograph.     It   has    given    absolute    satisfaction, 
more  than  meeting  the  representations  of  the  manu- 
facturers.    The  judgment  of  many  of  our  friends, 

who  have  the ,  has  strengthened  us  in  our  belief 

that  we  were  fortunate  enough  to  secure  the  very 
best  type  of  music  machine  which  modern  science 
has  thus  far  devised." — F.  C.  Ensign,  Registrar  and 
Dean  of  the  State  University  of  Iowa,  Iowa  City. 


INCOMPARABLE 
"I  am  very  much  pleased  with  my  Edison  Disc 
Phonograph,  and  I  do  not  believe  there  is  anything 
that  will  compare  with  it  for  tone,  especially  when 
it  comes  to  orchestra  or  band  music  and  the  repro- 
duction of  the  male  voices." — W.  H.  Pattee,  Cashier, 
First  National  Bank,  Perry,  Iowa. 


ULTIMATE    CHOICE    OF  A   CONNOISSEUR 

"We  like  it  far  better  than  any  other  make  of 
disc  and  we  have  owned  several  of  them.  The 
Edison  Disc  is  a  grand  machine  and  cannot  be  beat." 
— F.  A.  Becket,  Shannan  City,  Iowa. 


SUPERIOR  IN  TONE  AND  REPRODUCING 
QUALITIES 
"I  am  very  much  pleased  with  the  tone  and  the 
reproducing  qualities  of  my  Edison  Disc  Phono- 
graph. I  think  it  is  superior  to  anything  I  have 
heard  in  the  line  of  Disc  Phonographs." — F.  L. 
Bush,  Cashier  First  National  Bank,  Kanawha,  Iowa. 


THE  FAMILY  "UNABRIDGED"  MUSICAL 
INSTRUMENT 

"I  love  my  'Edison'  next  to  my  family  (if  you 
could  see  my  wife  and  three  boys  you  could  then 
appreciate  my  opinion  of  the  phonograph).  It  is 
certainly  the  Unabridged  musical  instrument.  As 
a  boy  I  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing  the  first  tinfoil 
Edison." — /.  F.  Simpson,  Waterloo,  Iowa. 


WILL  IMMORTALIZE  MR.  EDISON 

"In  my  judgment  it  is  one  of  the  greatest  in- 
struments ever  produced.  I  have  listened  to  it 
critically  a  great  many  times  and  believe  that  Mr. 
Edison  has  attained  a  masterpiece  which  will  make 
him  more  famous  perhaps  than  anything  else  he 
has  ever  done." — A.  D.  Schiek,  Advertising  Manager 
Dubuque  Advertising  Co.,  Dubuque,  Iowa. 


THE  FARMERS'  FRIEND  AT  A  REASONABLE 
PRICE 

"I  think  the  Edison  Disc  fills  a  long-felt  want, 
for  a  high  class  instrument,  at  a  reasonable  price. 
And,  again,  I  think  it  more  clearly  reproduces  the 
human  voice  than  any  instrument  I  have  ever 
heard.  We  have  had  our  Edison  now  since  Christ- 
mas, and  I  think  I  may  safely  say  there  has  not 
been  ten  days  of  that  time  I  have  not  played  it. 
Really  it  is  the  Farmers'  Friend." — Mrs.  Emory 
Orris,  Edgewood  Farm,  Winter  set,  Iowa. 


Only  lack  of  space  prevents  us  from  giving  hundreds  more  like  the  above 


136 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  AUGUST,  1914 


CONVENIENT  TABLES  FOR  RECKONING 

INTEREST  ON  INSTALLMENT  SALES  OF 

EDISON  DISC  PHONOGRAPHS 

In  the  following  tables  interest  is  calculated  at  6  per  cent,  by  the  usual  partial  payment  method  of 
calculation,  and  is  added  to  each  monthly  installment,  showing  the  amount  due  each  month  under  the 
various  terms  of  sale  enumerated.  The  average  payment,  that  is  to  say,  the  monthly  installment  plus 
the  total  interest  divided  equally,  is  also  shown.  In  some  states  where  conditional  sales  are  not  valid 
against  third  parties  unless  recorded,  it  is  customary  to  use  so-called  lease  forms.  In  an  instrument  which 
purports  to  be  a  lease  and  wherein  the  payments  are  in  the  form  of  rentals,  it  is  scarcely  consistent  to  make 
any  reference  to  interest,  and  where  it  is  desired  to  charge  interest,  the  most  obvious  method  is  to  make 
the  rental  charge  equal  to  the  rental  installment  plus  the  average  interest. 


$250  Instrument 

$25  down         $50  down  $50  down 

Installments  and  $25             and  $25           and  $12.50 

per  month         per  month         per  month 

1st $26.13               $26.00              $13.50 

2d 26.00                25.87                13.44 

3d 25.87                25.75                 13.37 

4th 25.75                25.63                 13.31 

Sth 25.63                25.50                13.25 

6th 25.50                25.37                13.19 

7th 25.37                25.25                 13.13 

8th 25.25                25.13                 13.06 

9th 25.13                                        13.00 

10th 12.94 

11th 12.87 

12th 12.81 

13th 12.75 

14th 12.69 

15th 12.63 

16th 12.56 


Average  payment. 

....     $25.63 

$25.56 

$13.03 

$200  Instrument 

$20  down 

$40  down 

$40  down 

.    Installments 

and  $20 

and  $20 

and  $10 

per  month 

per  month 

per  month 

1st 

....     $20.90 

$20.80 

$10.80 

2d 

....       20.80 

20.70 

10.75 

3d 

....       20.70 

20.60 

10.70 

4th 

....       20.60 

20.50 

10.65 

5th 

....       20.50 

20.40 

10.60 

6th 

....       20.40 

20.30 

10.55 

7th 

....       20.30 

20.20 

10.50 

8th 

....       20.20 

20.10 

10.45 

9th 

....       20.10 

10.40 

10th 

10.35 

11th 

10.30 

12th 

10.25 

13th 

10.20 

14th 

10.15 

15th 

10.10 

16th 

10.05 

Average  payment. 

....     $20.50 

$20.45 

$10.43 

$150  Instrument 

$15  down 

$30  down 

$30  down 

Installments 

and  $15 

and  $15 

and    $7.50 

per  month 

per  month 

per  month 

1st 

....     $15  68 

$15.60 

$8.10 

2d 

....       15.60 

15.52 

8.06 

3d 

....       15.52 

15.45 

8.03 

4th 

...       15.45 

15.38 

799 

5th 

15.38 

15.30 

7.95 

6th 

....       15.30 

15.22 

7.91 

7th 

....       15.22 

15.15 

7.88 

8th 

....       15.15 

15.08 

7.84 

9th 

....       15.08 

7.80 

10th 

7.76 

11th 

7.72 

12th 

7.69 

13th 

7.65 

14th 

7.61 

15th 

7.57 

16th 

7.54 

$7.82 


$80  Instrument 

$8  down  $16  down 

Installments  and  $8               and  $8 

per  month         per  month 

1st $8.36               $   8.32 

2d 8.32                  8.28 

3d 8.28                  8.24 

4th 8.24                   8.20 

5th 8.20                   8.16 

6th 8.16                  8.12 

7th 8.12                   8.08 

8th 8.08                  8.04 

9th 8.04 

10th 

11th 

12th 

13th 

14th 

15th 

16th 

Average  payment $8.20                 $8.18 

$60  Instrument 

$6  down  $12  down 

Installments  and  $6               and  $6 

per  month         per  month 

1st $6.27                 $6.24 

2d 6.24                   6.21 

3d 6.21                   6.18 

4th 6.18                   6.15 

5th 6.15                  6.12 

6th 6.12                  6.09 

7th 6.09                  6.06 

8th 6.06                  6.03 

9th 6.03 

10th 

11th 

12th 

13th 

14th 

15th 

16th 

Average  payment $6.15                  $6.14 


$16  down 
and  $4 

per  month 
$4.32 
4.30 
4.28 
4.26 
4.24 
4.22 
4.20 
4.18 
4.16 
4.14 
4.12 
4.10 
4.08 
4.06 
4.04 
4.02 

$4.17 


$12  down 

and  $3 

per  month 

$3.24 

3.22 

3.21 

3.19 

3.18 

3.17 

3.15 

3.13 

3.12 

3.11 

3.09 

3.07 

3.06 

3.05 

3.03 

3.02 

$3.13 


THE  FOLLOWING  DISC  RECORDS 
WILL  BE  RE-MADE  LATER 

WE  have  decided  to  re-make  later  the  following 
Disc  Records  and  will,  therefore,  be  unable 
to  furnish  them  until  further  advised: 
No.  50071       No.  80078     No.  82020      No.  82513 
No.  50107       No.  80079    No.  82035      No.  82523 
No.  80075       No.  80097    No.  82512 


NO  AMOUNT  OF  MONEY  WOULD  TEMPT 
HIM  TO  PART  WITH  IT 
"I  am  more  than  pleased  with  the  Edison  Disc, 
and  I  wouldn't  be  without  it  in  my  home  for  any 
amount  of  money." — /.  /.  Nagle,  Commission  Mer- 
chant, Dubuque,  Iowa. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  AUGUST,  1914 


137 


EDISON  FIELD-DAY 

MARKED  BY  CLEVER  ATHLETIC  STUNTS 

Mr.  Edison  Pitches  the  First  Ball  in  the 
Edison  League  Game 


The  entire  day,  on  Thursday,  June  25th,  was 
given  over  to  athletic  sports  under  the  auspices  of 
Mr.  Edison  and  the  officials  of  his  several" manu- 
facturing interests.  This  year  the  event  assumed 
larger  proportions  than  ever,  for  it  embraced,  be- 
side employees  of  the  plants  at  Orange,  N.  J.,  and  at 
Silver  Lake,  N.  J.,  those  of  the  Edison  Bronx  Studio, 
New  York  City,  and  of  the  Edison  Portland  Cement 
Works  located  at  Stewartsville,  N.  J.,  in  the  northern 
part  of  the  state.  All  these  concerns  were  closed 
for  the  day,  and  an  invitation  extended  to  every 
employe  to  be  present  and  to  bring  his  family  and 
friends.  The  affair  was  held  at  "Olympic  Park," 
located  in  Irvington,  N.  J.,  a  suburb  of  Newark  and 
about  four  miles  from  the  main  Edison  works  at 
Orange. 

Over  2,500  persons  were  in  attendance,  including 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Edison,  Mr.  Wilson,  General  Manager 
of  the  Orange  Edison  Works,  Mr.  Maxwell,  Second 
Vice-President,  Mr.  Berggren,  Secretary,  and  several 
other  officials  of  the  Edison  interests.  It  was  the 
third  annual  event  and  everyone  considered  it  far 
the  most  successful  ever  held. 

Mr.  Edison  acted  as  honorary  referee  at  the 
games,  and  was  present  most  all  of  the  afternoon. 
The  welcome  that  greeted  his  arrival  and  the  cheer- 
ing and  applause  that  came  his  way  when  he  threw 
the  first  ball  over  the  plate  which  started  the  Edison 
Baseball  League  under  way  was  rousing  and  enthusi- 
astic. That  he,  too,  enjoyed  it  was  evident  by  the 
smiles  on  his  face  as  he  made  his  way  to  the  box  to 
witness,  with  Mrs.  Edison  and  others,  the  game. 

A  series  of  events  had  been  arranged  for  by  the 
committee  in  charge,  most  of  which  were  open  to 
prizes  of  various  kinds,  the  most  important  being  a 
solid  silver  loving  cup  of  superior  workmanship  and 
design,  won  by  the  main  office,  for  the  880-yard 
dash.  They  included  a  220-yard  dash  (junior),  won 
in  25  seconds  by  R.  A.  Coe;  a  standing  broad  jump, 
won  by  J.  S.  Brown,  distance  9  feet  5  inches;  120- 
yard  hurdle  race,  won  by  R.  G.  Canfield  in  15  sec- 
onds; a  100-yard  dash,  won  by  H.  J.  Hector  in  11 
seconds;  throwing  the  hammer,  won  by  G.  J. 
Wachter,  distance  thrown  being  85  feet  6  inches;  a 
220-yard  dash  (senior),  won  by  L.  A.  Schwoebel  in 


25  3-5  seconds;  a  65-yard  dash  (ladies'),  won  by 
Anna  Weiss  in  10  3-5  seconds.  And  in  this  race  was 
Elsie  MacLeod,  second,  and  Julia  Kothe,  third,  both 
of  the  Bronx  Studio;  running  high  jump,  won  by 
J.  S.  Brown,  height  scored  being  5  feet  4  inches;  a 
440-yard  run,  won  by  J.  Kearney  in  1  minute  and 
2  seconds;  a  1-mile  run,  won  by  W.  Shorter  in  5 
minutes  12  2-5  seconds;  a  12-pound  shot-put,  won 
by  J.  Flanagan,  distance  35  feet  6}4  inches. 

"The  Grand  Prix  Edison,"  800-yard  relay  run 
(senior),  was  the  event  of  the  day,  and  was  won  by 
the  Main  Office  at  Orange  by  E.  Hill,  H.  Spaeth, 
L.  Schwoebel,  E.  Riker,  time  1  minute  45  3-5  sec- 
onds. 

The  880-yard  relay  run  (junior)  was  also  won  by 
the  Main  Office  in  1  minute  49  seconds  (R.  D.  M. 
Canfield,  F.  Kitchell,  E.  Fairchild  and  G.  Deary). 

The  hop,  skip  and  jump  was  won  by  L.  A.  Schwoe- 
bel, distance  39  feet  4  inches;  the  baseball  throw 
was  won  by  W.  Finan  in  319  feet  1  inch. 

It  was  a  strenuous  day  to  perform  in  for  all 
athletes,  for  it  required  severe  exertion  in  very 
warm  weather  conditions.  One  or  two  succumbed 
to  the  heat,  but  the  entire  day  passed  very  pleas- 
antly, being  wound  up  by  dancing  and  refreshments. 

One  of  the  added  attractions  to  the  meet  was  a 
trotting  race  between  horses  driven  by  C.  H.  Wilson, 
Vice-President  and  General  Manager  of  the  Edison 
interests,  and  William  Maxwell,  Second  Vice-Presi- 
dent. Mr.  Wilson  won  the  last  two  heats  in  an 
easy  manner.  An  electric  car  race  was  won  by  a 
car  containing  H.  L.  Davidson  and  C.  A.  Poyer  of 
the  Edison  Storage  Battery  Co. 

Unusual  interest  was  shown  by  the  spectators  in 
the  baseball  game  played  between  representatives 
from  the  Bronx  and  a  team  consisting  of  Orange 
office  employees.  Augustus  Phillips  acted  as  um- 
pire, and  "Andy  Clark"  of  motion  picture  fame  was 
official  mascot  and  "fly  chaser."  It  was  a  close 
game,  the  Bronx  nine  finally  winning  with  a  score 
of  10  to  7. 

Marc  MacDermott  and  Miriam  Nesbitt,  the  well- 
known  Edison  Photo-players,  were  entertained  by 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Edison  in  their  private  box  during 
part  of  the  afternoon. 


138 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  AUGUST,  1914 


BE   PARTICULAR   IN  ORDERING 
MAIN  SPRINGS 

The  following  complete  list  of  main  springs  in  use 
June  1,  1914,  is  given  for  the  convenience  of  the 
trade,  so  as  to  facilitate  the  filling  of  orders.  For 
instance,  it  is  not  enough  to  say,  "Send  me  main 
spring  for  Amberola  X."  There  are  three  different 
springs  for  Amberola  X,  as  will  be  seen  by  reference 
to  the  list  below.  Be  explicit  and  say  which  par- 
ticular one  you  wish.  So  with  all  the  rest  of  the 
list.  This  care  in  ordering  will  greatly  facilitate 
shipping,  for  if  you  order  correctly  the  first  time  we 
can  ship  at  once  and  you  will  get  the  spring  needed. 
Otherwise  correspondence  will  ensue  and  time  will 
be  lost. 


Long  Wide 

Part  No. 

Ft. 

In. 

Thick   Hoi 

1062 

Gem  B-C 

11 

y% 

.020 

Vs 

941 

GemD 

10 

% 

.021 

V% 

1417 

Fireside  A-B 

10 

% 

.030 

A 

1417 

Standard  A 

10 

v% 

.030 

A 

1573 

Standard  B-C-D-E-F-G  1 

.032 

A 

1573 

Home  A 

11 

i 

.032 

A 

2065 

Home  B-C-D-E-F 

13^ 

1A 

.030 

T6 

2762 

Triumph  A-B-C-D-E 

14 

2 

.022 

Vs 

9169 

Triumph  F-G 

13K 

1  -5- 

1  16 

.030 

% 

2762 

Idelia  B-C-D-E-F 

14 

2 

.022 

v$ 

10704 

Amberola  A 

16 

2 

.024 

% 

9169 

Amberola  B-l,  B-lll 

13^ 

1A 

.030 

ys 

2065 

Amberola  IV 

13K 

1A 

.030 

JL. 

2065 

Amberola  V 

13K 

1A 

.030 

JL. 

23214 

Amberola  VI 

15 

1 

.025 

_L 

1573 

Amberola  B-VI 

11 

1 

.032 

A 

1573 

Amberola  VIII 

11 

1 

.032 

16 

22511 

Amberola  X  (with 

small  frame) 

10 

1  3 
16 

.021 

y% 

22587 

Amberola  X  (with 

large  frame) 

12 

V% 

.021 

% 

1573 

Amberola  D-X 

11 

1 

.032 

A 

13259 

Disc  A-60 

21 

1A 

.031 

li 

13259 

Disc  B-60 

21 

1A 

.031 

ii 

13389 

Disc  C-60 

20 

1A 

.038 

11 

13259 

Disc  A-80 

21 

1A 

.031 

ii 

13389 

Disc  B-80 

20 

1A 

.038 

13 

14085 

Disc  A-l 50-200-250 

18 

1A 

.035 

H 

9169 

Bus.  S.  M. 

13K 

1A 

.030 

y% 

9169 

Opera  or  Concert 

13^ 

1A 

.030 

y* 

4112(use2762)Concert  (old  style) 

14 

2 

.022 

» 

22618 

Amberola  D-X 

12 

1 

.025 

A 

14776 

Disc  200-150 

21 

1A 

(.027) 
(.028) 

7/ 

ELECTRIC    MEN     HONOR    MR. 
EDISON  AT  THEIR  PHILA- 
DELPHIA CONVENTION 

MR.  EDISON  attended  the  National  Electric 
Light  Association  Convention  held  last 
month  at  Philadelphia,  as  guest  of  honor. 
His  arrival  at  the  Convention  was  the  sensation  of 
the  entire  week's  doings.  Men  representing  mil- 
lions crowded  each  other  to  throw  their  arms  about 
his  shoulders  or  to  shake  hands  with  him.  He 
addressed  the  Convention,  and  from  what  he  said 
we  quote  a  few  remarks" — National  Electrical  Con- 
tractor for  July: 

"I  am  a  tenderfoot  outside  the  Laboratory,"  said 
Mr.  Edison,  "but  I  have  come  down  to  Philadelphia 
to  have  a  talk  with  some  of  these  cubs  of  commerce. 


Thirty-two  years  ago  I  had  Frank  Thompson,  Presi- 
dent of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  come  up  to 
Menlo  Park,  and  I  took  him  over  an  electric  line 
three  miles  long.  I  prophesied  that  some  day  the 
Pennsylvania  Railroad  would  send  trains  to  and 
from  Philadelphia  and  New  York  by  the  force  of  an 
electric  current.  He  laughed  at  me.  You  know 
what  is  in  sight. 

"In  1885  about  six  engineers  and  a  division  super- 
intendent of  the  Northern  Pacific  Railroad  saw  a 
demonstration  of  an  electric  car  that  would  take  up 
its  power  by  a  friction-shoe  from  a  charged  rail.  I 
told  them  that  they  would  some  day  run  electric 
trains  on  their  mountain  division  in  just  that  man- 
ner. Their  engineers  reported  on  my  prophecy. 
What  they  reported  was  an  awful  knock  for  my 
faith  in  the  third-rail  system,  and  the  report  those 
engineers  made,  gentlemen,  would  make  good,  funny 
reading. 

"No,  no,"  he  said.  "I've — we've — done  very 
little.  Why,  man,"  waving  a  hand  upward  toward 
the  sky,  "four  times  as  much  power  as  is  used  in  all 
industries,  in  all  lighting,  is  being  wasted — going  to 
waste  all  the  time  because  we  haven't  found  out  how 
to  save  it  after  it's  generated.  It's  enough  to  give 
light  and  heat  and  comfort,  and  even  luxury,  to  all 
the  poor  people  in  the  country.  We  only  use  20 
per  cent.  Eighty  per  cent,  is  wasted.  That's  what 
worries  me.  We've  failed — so  far,  anyway.  I  can't 
sleep  at  night  sometimes  for  thinking  of  it." 

"They  make  too  much  of  me.  I'm  just  an  old 
man  who  has  made  some  inventions  and  helped 
along  the  work  a  little.  When  I  think  of  what 
really  should  be  possible  it  stuns  me — makes  me 
sort  of  ashamed.  When  we  get  electric  light  and 
heat  into  every  little  house  in  the  land  and  get  all 
the  population  running  around  in  the  open  country 
in  electric  motors,  and  apply  electricity  to  farming 
to  triple  crops,  then  we  shall  have  done  something 
worth  while.  We're  just  at  the  beginning,  just  at 
the  beginning.  It's  all  very  crude  still,  this  elec- 
trical art,"  Edison  said.  "Electricity  must  be  got 
out  of  coal  direct. 

"A  new  principle  of  aerial  navigation  must  be 
discovered  before  airships  are  ever  to  be  of  much 
use.  The  insects  of  the  fields — especially  the  bum- 
ble bees — are  twenty  centuries  ahead  of  us  in  this 
respect.  For  the  real  principle  of  aerial  navigation 
you've  got  to  go  to  the  bumble  bee.  You  see  the 
air  is  really  as  firm  as  granite  when  your  vibrations 
are  too  fast  for  it.  You  put  a  stick  of  dynamite  on 
a  stone  and  explode  it.  The  concussion  is  so  sudden 
that  the  air  hasn't  time  to  give.  So  the  stone  is 
shattered.  The  bumble  bee  is  built  on  the  same 
principle.  He  uses  his  wings  at  the  rate  of  about 
two  thousand  vibrations  to  the  second.  It's  the 
same  as  if  he  were  walking  on  a  hard  pavement. 
Duplicate  him  and  you'll  have  a  real  air-machine!" 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  AUGUST,  1914 


139 


THE  HUGHES  STUDIO, 
BOONE,  IOWA 

J.  B.  Hughes,  the  proprietor  of  the  "Hughes 
Studio"  has  fitted  up  a  very  neat  and  attractive  store 
at  805  Eighth  Street,  Boone,  Iowa,  where  he  handles 
both  cylinder  and  disc  Edison  phonographs.  He 
has  been  giving  recitals  on  both  instruments  as  a 
regular  weekly  feature  and  reports  the  attendance 
very  good  and  sales  satisfactory.  He  is  a  liberal 
local  advertiser  and  maintains  a  mailing  list  of  live 
Edison  prospects.  Besides  Edison  phonographs  he 
does  a  fine  trade  in  photographic  work,  enlarging 
and  framing. 


THE  PHONOGRAPH  AS   AN   EDU- 
CATIVE POWER 

THE  importance  of  the  phonograph  as  an  edu- 
cational factor  in  the  domain  of  music  is  being 
exemplified  in  a  most  impressive  way  as  time 
goes  on.  Great  artists,  internationally  famous  in 
both  vocal  and  instrumental  fields,  are  now  being 
heard  through  the  aid  of  the  phonograph  in  the 
homes  of  the  people.  The  best  in  music  has  been 
carried  from  the  concert  platform  to  the  parlor  and 
a  stimulus  given  to  musical  appreciation  that  might 
be  termed  inconceivable  a  few  years  ago.  And  not 
only  great  singers  and  instrumentalists  but  our  great 
orchestral  organizations  are  now  heard  in  the  home. 
For  a  considerable  time  there  were  those  who 
looked  upon  the  phonograph  either  -as  a  toy  or  a 
medium   for   the   dissemination   of   popular   music 


rather  than  the  compositions  of  the  masters,  but 
to-day  the  very  leaders  in  the  world  of  music  are 
recognizing  the  important  part  which  the  phono- 
graph is  playing  in  disseminating  and  musical  knowl- 
edge and  in  a  wider  and  keener  appreciation  of  the 
best  in  music.  Hence  it  is  that  the  great  orchestral 
leaders  are  desirous  of  having  the  organizations 
which  they  conduct  heard  through  the  medium  of 
the  talking  machine. 

In  this  connection  the  Philharmonic  Orchestra, 
the  foremost  musical  organization  in  Berlin,  Ger- 
many, has  consented  to  allow  the  reproductions  of 
its  tonal  wonders  through  the  phonograph.  The 
necessary  arrangements  were  effected  through 
Alfred  Hertz,  the  conductor  of  the  Metropolitan 
Opera  House,  New  York,  and  he  was  the  conductor 
of  the  orchestra  when  it  played  a  number  of  selec- 
tions for  reproducing  purposes  in  Berlin  a  couple  of 
weeks  ago. 

Among  the  numbers  given  were  selections  from 
"Parsifal,"  the  only  auditors  being  a  row  of  talking 
machine  horns,  through  which  millions  of  people 
will  be  reached  who  have  never  heard  the  Berlin 
Philharmonic,  and  who  otherwise  would  be  unable 
to  enjoy  the  beauty  of  tone  and  superb  playing  of 
this  internationally  famous  organization. 


"I  am  more  than  pleased  with  the  Edison  Dia- 
mond Disc.     Its  purity  of  tone  has  given  it  a  very 

great  mark  of  distinction  over  the  in  our 

neighborhood.  I  am  certainly  glad  to  be  num- 
bered among  the  Diamond  Disc  owners." — C.  W. 
Brock  of  C.  W.  Brock  \3  Co.,  Newton,  Iowa. 


140 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  AUGUST,  1914 


CONVENIENT  TABLES  FOR  RECKONING 

INTEREST  ON  INSTALLMENT  SALES  OF 

EDISON  CYLINDER  PHONOGRAPHS 

TN  the  following  tables  interest  is  calculated  at  6  per  cent,  by  the  usual  partial  payment  method  of 
A  calculation,  and  is  added  to  each  monthly  installment,  showing  the  amount  due  each  month  under  the 
various  terms  of  sale  enumerated.  The  average  payment,  that  is  to  say,  the  monthly  installment  plus 
the  total  interest  divided  equally,  is  also  shown.  In  some  states  where  conditional  sales  are  not  valid 
against  third  parties  unless  recorded,  it  is  customary  to  use  so-called  lease  forms.  In  an  instrument  which 
purports  to  be  a  lease  and  wherein  the  payments  are  in  the  form  of  rentals,  it  is  scarcely  consistent  to  make 
any  reference  to  interest,  and  where  it  is  desired  to  charge  interest,  the  most  obvious  method  is  to  make 
the  rental  charge  equal  to  the  rental  installment  plus  the  average  interest. 


3200  Instrument 

320  down  $40  down 

Installments  and  320              and  320 
per  month         per  month 

1st 320.90               320.80 

2d 20.80                 20.70 

3d 20.70                 20.60 

4th 20.60                20.50 

5th 20.50                 20.40 

6th 20.40                 20.30 

7th 20.30                 20.20 

8th 20.20                 20.10 

9th 20.10 

10th 

11th 

12th 

13th 

14th 

15th 

16th 

Average  payment 320.50                320.45 


$125  Instrument 

312.50  down       325  down 
Installments  and  312.50        and  312.50 

Der  month         per  month 

1st 313.06  313.00 

2d 13.00  12.94 

3d 12.94  12.88 

4th 12.88  12.81 

5th 12.81  12.75 

6th 12.75  12.69 

7th 12.69  12.62 

8th 12.62  12.56 

9th 12.56 

10th 

11th 

12th 

13th 

14th 

15th 

16th 

Average  payment 312.81  312.78 


$80  Instrument 


38  down  316  down 

Installments  and  38  and  38 

per  month         per  month 

1st 38.36  38.32 

2d 8.32  8.28 

3d 8.28  8.24 

4th 8.24  8.20 

5th 8.20  8.16 

6th 8.16  8.12 

7th 8.12  8.08 

8th 8.08  8.04 

9th 8.04 

10th 

11th 

12th 

13th 

14th 

15th 

16th 

Average  payment 38.20  38.18 


340  down 
and  310 
per  month 
310.80 
10.75 
10.70 
10.65 
10.60 
10.55 
10.50 
10.45 
10.40 
10.35 
10.30 
10.25 
10.20 
10.15 
10.10 
10.05 


310.43 


325  down 

and    36.25 

per  month 

36.75 

6.72 

6.69 

6.66 

6.63 

6.59 

6.56 

6.53 

6.50 

6.47 

6.44 

6.41 

6.37 

6.34 

6.31 

6.28 


36.52 


316  down 
and  34 

per  month 
34.32 
4.30 
4.28 
4.26 
4.24 
4.22 
4.20 
4.18 
4.16 
4.14 
4.12 
4.10 
4.08 
4.06 
4.04 
4.02 

34.17 


$60  Instrument 

36  down  312  down 

Installments  and  36                and  36 

per  month         per  month 

1st 36.27                 36.24 

2d 6.24                   6.21 

3d 6.21                   6.18 

4th 6.18                   6.15 

5th 6.15                  6.12 

6th 6.12                  6.09 

7th 6.09                  6.06 

8th 6.06                  6.03 

9th 6.03 

10th 

11th 

12th 

13th 

14th 

15th 

16th 

Average  payment 36.15                  36.14 


$45  Instrument 


34.50  down         39  down 
Installments  and  34.50  and  34.50 

per  month         per  month 

1st 34.70  34.68 

2d 4.68  4.66 

3d 4.66  4.63 

4th 4.63  4.61 

5th 4.61  4.59 

6th 4.59  4.57 

7th 4.57  4.55 

8th 4.55  4.52 

9th 4.52 

10th 

11th 

12th 

13th 

14th 

15th 

16th 

Average  payment 34.61  34.60 

$30  Instrument 

33  down  36  down 

Installments  and  33  and  33 

per  month         per  month 

1st 33.14  33.12 

2d 3.12  3.11 

3d 3.11  3.09 

4th 3.09  3.07 

5th 3.07  3.06 

6th 3.06  3.04 

7th 3.04  3.03 

8th 3.03  3.02 

9th 3.02 

10th 

11th 

12th 

13th 

14th 

15th 

16th 

Average  payment 33.08  33.07 


33.13 


39  down 

and  32.25 

per  month 

32.43 

2.42 

2.41 

2.39 

2.38 

2.37 

2.36 

2.35 

2.34 

2.33 

2.32 

2.31 

2.30 

2.29 

2.27 

2.26 

32.35 


36  down 

and  31.50 

per  month 

31.62 

1.61 

1.61 

1.60 

1.59 

1.58 

1.58 

1.57 

1.56 

1.55 

1.54 

1.54 

1.53 

1.52 

1.51 

1.51 

31.57 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  AUGUST,  1914 


141 


MAKING    COLLECTIONS    ON    IN- 
STALLMENT ACCOUNTS. 

AS  previously  stated,  it  should  not  be  necessary 
to  incur  any  expense  other  than  stationery 
and  postage  in  collecting  the  bulk  of  the 
accounts.  I  find  too  many  dealers  neglecting  their 
stores  in  order  to  call  on  accounts  ninety  per  cent. 
of  which  could  be  handled  from  the  office.  Others, 
again,  employ  irresponsible  collectors,  placing  them- 
selves at  the  mercy  of  poor  devils  whom  they  cannot 
afford  to  pay  liberally  because  it  eats  too  deeply 
into  the  margin  of  profit. 

Many  a  time  I  have  heard  the  remark,  "It's  no 
use,  you've  got  to  go  after  it."  True,  the  man  who 
does  not  look  after  collections  aggressively  has  no 
right  to  do  instalment  business,  for  he  cannot  get 
good  results.  On  the  other  hand,  a  man  cannot 
devote  most  of  his  time  and  energy  to  collecting 
alone.  He  must  find  time  to  look  after  the  selling. 
I  have  known  dealers  to  go  out  collecting  while 
leaving  a  boy  or  girl  of  about  fourteen  or  fifteen 
years  in  charge  of  the  store.  These  may  serve  as 
monitors,  but  they  cannot  sell. 

The  time  for  you  or  your  clerk  to  call  on  the  de- 
linquent payer  is  after  Uncle  Sam  has  failed  to  bring 
you  results.  Nor  do  I  favor  unnecessary  letter 
writing.  When  a  monthly  payment  falls  due,  or 
a  weekly  payment  is  past  due,  send  a  statement. 
The  name  of  the  weekly  payer  should  be  entered 
on  your  memorandum  pad  so  that  your  attention 
will  be  called  three  or  four  days  later.  The  monthly 
payer  should  be  allowed  a  week  or  ten  days,  and 
entered  on  the  pad  accordingly.  (Some  dealers  use 
a  card  system,  advancing  the  card  from  one  space 
to  another;  but  often  the  cards  are  accidentally 
misplaced  and  confusion  results.) 

If  the  remittance  has  not  arrived  within  the  time 
allowed,  mail  another  statement  showing  the  amount 
of  payments  due.  On  the  statement  write:  "Sec- 
ond request.  Please  remit."  Allow  from  three  to 
five  days.  If  even  then  you  have  received  no  re- 
mittance, mail  another  statement,  on  which  you 
write:  "Final  request.  Unless  remittance  is  re- 
ceived by  return  mail  we  shall  be  obliged  to  take 
action."  This  third  statement  should  be  sent  by 
registered  mail.  Mark  your  envelope  so  that  the 
postofhce  will  send  you  a  card  showing  the  signa- 
ture of  the  addressee. 

Fifty  per  cent,  of  the  delinquents  yield  to  the 
"second  request"  statement.  Of  those  cases  re- 
quiring registered  "final  request"  statements  I  have 
found  that  positively  nine  out  of  ten  respond  with  a 
remittance.  The  receipt  of  a  registered  letter,  also 
the  fact  that  they  are  required  to  sign  the  return 
card,  impresses  them  with  the  seriousness  of  the 
whole  matter.  You  will  find  some  of  them  waiting 
for  you  when  you  open  the  store  the  following  morn- 
ing. 


So  far  it  has  cost  you  either  two,  four  or  sixteen 
cents  to  obtain  the  remittance.  In  the  last  case  it  is 
still  cheaper  than  spending  time  and  carfare. 

Handling  collections  by  mail  I  have  found  to  be 
better  in  many  cases  than  through  collectors. 
Personal  contact  with  the  debtor  makes  it  hard  for 
the  collector  to  deal  sternly  with  some  cases,  and 
gives  an  unscrupulous  customer  a  chance  to  jolly 
or  impose  on  him. 

While  I  do  not  advocate  harshness  or  heartless- 
ness  in  handling  installment  collections,  neverthe- 
less, in  view  of  many  experiences,  I  think  it  well 
that  you  emulate  the  proverbial  landlord  in  the 
matter  of  exacting  prompt  payment.  It  is  no  un- 
common occurrence  for  a  collector  to  make  fifteen 
calls  and  find  only  five  "at  home." 

Once  we  lost  track  of  a  customer.  Statements 
were  returned  by  the  postoffice  marked  "removed- 
address  unknown."  After  diligent  search  we  lo- 
cated her.  She  had  changed  addresses  twice  in  the 
interval  and  now  lived  on  the  outskirts  of  Brooklyn. 
Of  course  she  was  glad  to  see  us.  She  claimed  to 
have  worried  greatly  because  we  did  not  call,  al- 
though she  overlooked  notifying  us  of  change  in 
address.  She  admitted  that  her  husband  was  work- 
ing as  a  motorman,  but  she  could  not  pay  anything 
that  day  (Friday).  However,  she  very  generously 
explained  that  if  we  would  call  every  Thursday 
afternoon  between  one  and  three  o'clock,  when 
her  husband  came  with  his  pay,  she  would  give  a 
dollar  regularly  every  week  hereafter.  To  quote 
the  lady  herself: 

"Me  Moike,  he  gits  paid  ivry  Thorsdy;  an'  thim 
as  calls  on  Thorsdy  afternoon  between  one  and  three 
o'clock  gits  ther  money." 

As  it  was  impossible  to  make  a  special  trip  every 
Thursday,  I  suggested  to  the  lady  that  I  would  send 
her  a  quantity  of  self-addressed  stamped  envelopes 
with  her  name  written  on  the  back,  and  requested 
that  she  put  a  dollar  in  an  envelope  every  week 
and  have  Mike  mail  it  between  one  and  three  p.  m. 
Thursday.  I  also  instructed  her  to  wait  for  a 
receipt  for  each  dollar  before  sending  the  next  one. 

It  is  a  good  idea  to  inclose  a  self-addressed  stamp- 
ed envelope  for  the  next  payment  when  mailing 
receipts.  This  will  often  facilitate  prompt  re- 
mittance. 

Just  a  final  word  about  professional  pullers  and 
collection  agencies.  Most  of  them  are  either  crooked 
or  incompetent,  and  some  of  them  are  both. — 
Benj.  Szvitky  in  the  Talking  Machine  World. 


MONEY  COULD  NOT  BUY  IT  IF  IT  COULD 
NOT  BE  REPLACED 

"I  am  very  much  pleased  with  my  Edison  Disc 
Phonograph  and  money  could  not  buy  it  if  I  could 
not  replace  it." — Mrs.  J.  C.  Langneville,  Dubuque, 
Iowa. 


142 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  AUGUST,  1914 


"STAGE  FRIGHT"  BEFORE 
THE  PHONOGRAPH 

By    Thomas  Chalmers 

MANY  singers,  if  not  all,  have  felt  the  parti- 
cular variety  of  "stage  fright"  that  attacks 
one  when  making  phonograph  records.  Al- 
though it  diminishes  as  one  continues  to  record 
successfully,  it  never  wholly  disappears.  There  is 
something  about  a  recording-room — with  the  de- 
vouring horns  that  face  a  singer,  and  the  feeling 
that  the  sins  of  commission  and  omission  are  never 
to  be  forgiven  nor  even  forgotten — that  is  more  de- 
moralizing than  the  ordinary  "stage  fright"  of  the 
theatre. 

The  unforgivable  sin  in  a  record  is  a  "frog"  (a 
slight  break  or  huskiness),  a  thing  which,  in  the 
theatre,  is  almost  inperceptible,  but  which,  on  the 
record,  is  a  blemish  that  is  fatal.  It  may  be  easily 
understood  that  hearing  a  singer  sing  the  same  song 
hundreds  of  times,  and  always  hearing  him  break 
on  the  same  spot,  is  enough  to. cause  the  average 
listener  after  a  few  hearings  to  hear  only  that  one 
blemish  and  finish  by  hurling  the  record  out  of  the 
window  and  vow  solemnly  never  by  buy  another 
record  made  by  that  singer. 

It  is  this  very  fear  of  "frog"  and  determination  to 
avoid  them  that  very  often  are  their  cause — given 
a  few  bad  starts,  and  it  seems  almost  impossible  to 
get  away  from  them;  although  a  singer  may  leave 
the  recording  room  after  such  an  experience  and  when 
the  nervous  strain  is  over  find  his  voice  as  clear  as 
a  bell.  A  similar  nervousness  that  I  feel  in  the 
theatre  is  caused  by  the  dread  of  forgetting  the 
words;  andin  that  case  also  your  fear  is  your 
worst  enemy. 

A  very  real  and  considerable  difficulty  in  the  mak- 
ing of  records  is  that  the  singer  does  not  hear  his 
own  voice  in  the  same  way  that  he  hears  it  when 
singing  in  a  large  auditorium.  You  hear  it — but 
differently.  It  is  gathered  into  a  horn  and  never 
comes  back  to  you  as  it  does  under  other  conditions, 
a  fact  which  is  very  disconcerting  at  first  and  always 
makes  it  difficult.  You  have  to  sing  by  "feeling" 
alone  and  are  denied  the  aid  of  your  ears,  which  aid 
is  very  great,  as  every  singer  knows.  I  have  sung 
in  many  acoustically  bad  auditoriums,  but  never 
in  one  as  bad  (from  the  singer's  standpoint)  as  the 
recording-room. 

However,  in  spite  of,  or  an  account  of,  these  diffi- 
culties (probably  the  latter),  it  is  extremely  inter- 
esting work.  In  these  days  when  there  seems  to  be 
a  general  understanding  of  the  educational  and 
moral  influence  of  music,  when  financiers  and  gov- 
ernments are  spending  large  sums  of  money  to  pro- 
vide music  for  all,  and  are  being  lauded  for  their 
philanthropy,  let  us  give  Mr.  Edison  the  credit  and 


thanks  for  the  greatest  work  of  all — the  phono- 
graph. In  the  last  few  years  it  has  done  more  to 
make  music  a  part  of  every  man's  life  than  all  the 
opera  houses,  symphony  orchestras,  and  musical 
organizations  in  the  world.  It  has  made  the  success 
of  the  Century  Opera  House  in  New  York  a  possi- 
bility. 

The  experiment  had  been  tried  many  times  of 
giving  New  York  popular-priced  opera,  and  always 
disastrously,  but  in  the  last  few  years,  thanks  to  the 
phonograph,  a  sufficient  musical  taste  among  the 
public  has  been  created  to  support  such  an  insti- 
tution. A  small  but  surprisingly  illuminating 
example  of  the  power  of  the  phonograph  is  found 
in  the  fact  that  one  of  the  big  publishing  houses, 
quite  a  number  of  years  ago,  published  an  English 
translation  of  the  great  tenor-baritone  duet  from 
Forza  del  Destino.  They  did  so  probably  from  the 
knowledge  of  its  great  musical  worth  and  trusted 
to  that  to  secure  a  sale  for  it.  It  was  practically  un- 
known and  the  sales  were  so  small  that  the  plates 
were  destroyed.  Thanks  to  a  very  well-known  re- 
cord of  that  number  made  by  two  great  singers,  it 
is  to-day  almost  universally  known.  It  is  one  of  the 
most  popular  of  concert  numbers;  has  been  retrans- 
lated and  extensively  sold. 

Recording  is  one  of  the  greatest  aids  to  a  singer's 
diction.  If  more  singers  recorded  in  English  there 
would  be  less  talk  of  bad  diction,  for  the  primary 
requirement  for  a  good  record  is  that  the  text  be 
understood,  and  unless  a  singer  is  able  to  sing  the 
words  distinctly  he  is  useless  from  a  phonograph 
standpoint.  The  sooner  the  general  public  are  as 
critical  as  the  phonograph  public  in  this  matter  of 
diction,  the  better  it  will  be  for  opera  in  English, 
for  half  of  the  value  of  opera  or  music  drama  lies  in 
the  audience  understanding  the  dramatic  value  of 
the  text. 

Without  that  comprehension  it  is  not  complete 
When  it  is  sung  in  a  foreign  tongue,  or  in  the  ver- 
nacular indistinctly  delivered,  it  ceases  to  be  music- 
drama  and  becomes  music  and  pantomime. 


CHALMERS  ON  BLUE  AMBEROL  RECORDS 

28101     Barcarole— Oh,  Lovely  Night— The  Tales  of 

Hoffman,  Offenbach,  with  Marie  Rappold, 

Soprano 
28186     Heart  Bowed  Down,  The— The  Bohemian 

Girl,  Balfe 
28164     Kathleen  Mavourneen,  Crouch 
28155     Lost,    Proscribed — Martha,    Flotow,    with 

Charles  Hackett,  Tenor 
28184     Maritana — In  Happy  Moments,  Wallace 
28144     My  Dreams,  Tosti 

28104     One  Sweetly  Solemn  Thought,  Ambrose 
28174     Prologue  from  Pagliacci,  Leoncavallo 
2068     When  Dreams  Come  True,  Hein  and  Webb 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  AUGUST,  1914 


143 


BLUE  AMBEROLS  FOR  OCTOBER 

IN  this  October  list  will  be  found  many  a  favorite  selection  by  music-loving  people.     The  entire  list 
reflects  in  a  high  degree  superior  recording  and  manufacturing,  for  each  Record  is  clear,  distinct  and 
unusually  free  from  extraneous  noise.      We  take  particular  pride  in  this  October  list,  both  subjects 
and  reproduction. 


CONCERT    LIST 


75  cents  each  in  the  United  States;  $1.00  each  in  Canada 


28200     Lolita — Spanish  Serenade  {Peccia)  28201     Jusr  for  To-day  {Abbott) 

Redferne  Hollinshead  Contralto  solo 

Tenor  solo 
28202     Parted  (Tosti)  Redferne  Hollinshead 

Tenor  solo 


Christine  Miller 
28203     Trovatore — Home  to  Our  Mountains 


{Verdi)    Margaret  Keyes  and  Dan  Beddoe 


REGULAR  LIST 


50  cents  each  in  the  United  States;  65  cents  each  in   Canada 


2415  Royal  Australian  Navy  March  {Lithgow)  2428 

New  York  Military  Band 

2416  Ma  Pickaninny  Babe  {Johnson) 

Will  Oakland       2429 
Counter-tenor 

2417  Favorite  Airs  from  The  Beggar  Student 

{Millocker)  Edison  Light  Opera  Co.       2430 

2418  The  Lover  and  the  Bird  {Guglielmo) 

Mary  Carson 
Bird  imitation  by  Joe  Belmont  243 1 

2419  Mother  Machree  {Olcott-Hall) 

Charles  D'Almaine 
Violin  solo,  harp  accompaniment  2432 

2420  Trust  and  Obey  {Towner) 

Edison  Mixed  Quartet 
Sacred,  organ  accompaniment  2433 

2421  Scene  de  Ballet  {Czibulka) 

Edison  Concert  Band 
Reed  only  2434 

2422  When  It's  Moonlight  on  the  Alamo  {Fischer) 

Albert  H.  Campbell  and  Irving  Gillette       2435 
Tenor  duet 

2423  Valse  June,  Hesitation  or  Boston  {Baxter) 

National  Promenade  Band       2436 
For  dancing 

2424  Christ  My  All  {Main)  2440 

John  Young  and  Fredk.  J.  Wheeler 
Sacred 

2425  You're  More  than  the  World  to  Me  {Solman)       2441 

Manuel  Romaine 
Tenor  solo  2442 

2426  Beautiful  Robes  {Kirkpatrick) 

John  Young  and  Fredk.  J.  Wheeler       2444 
Sacred 

2427  Wedding  of  the  Winds  Waltzes  {Hall) 

American  Standard  Orchestra 


When  the  Angelus  is  Ringing  {Grant) 

Irving  Gillette  and  Chorus 
Tenor  solo 
Jimmy  Trigger's  Return  from  Mexico 

Billy  Golden  and  Joe  Hughes 
Vaudeville  sketch 
The  Robin  and  the  Wren  {Banta) 

Byron  G.  Harlan  and  Joe  Belmont 
Vaudeville  sketch 
Castle's  Half  and  Half  {Europe-Dabney) 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 
Tramp!  Tramp!  Tramp!   {Root) 

Knickerbocker  Quartet 
Male  voices 
Romance  from  "L'Eclair"  {Halevy) 

Kitty  Berger 
Zither  solo 
Mignon — Polonaise  {Thomas)  Guido  Gialdini 

Whistling  solo 
Too  Much  Ginger — One-Step  {Daly) 

National  Promenade  Band 
For  dancing 
Basket  of  Roses  {Albers)  Charles  Daab 

Bells  solo 
Beyond  the  Smiling  and  the  Weeping 

{Stebbins)  Peerless  Quartet 

Sacred 
Kamenoi  Ostrow  {Rubenstein) 

American  Standard  Orchestra 
Zampa  Overture  {Herold) 

Edison  Concert  Band 
The  Post  in  the  Forest  {Schdffer) 

Waldhorn  Quartet 
Cornet  and  French  horns 


Nos.  2437,  2438,  2439  and  2443  will  be  issued  later 


Jobbers  of 
Edison  Phonographs  and  Records 


DISC  AND  CYLINDER 

CALIFORNIA 
Los  Angeles — Southern  California  Music  Co. 
San  Francisco — Pacific  Phonograph  Co. 

COLORADO 
Denver — Denver  Dry  Goods  Co. 

CONNECTICUT 
New  Haven — Pardee-Ellenberger     Co. 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago — The  Phonograph  Co. 
INDIANA 
Indianapolis — Kipp-Link  Phonograph  Co. 

IOWA 
Des  moines — Harger  &  Blish. 
Sioux  City — Harger  &  Blish. 

MAINE 
Bangor — Chandler    &    Co. 

MARYLAND 
Baltimore — McKee  Surgical  Instrument  Co. 

MASSACHUSETTS 
Boston — Pardee-Ellenberger  Co. 
MICHIGAN 
Detroit — American  Phonograph  Co. 

MINNESOTA 
Minneapolis — Laurence  H.  Lucker. 

MISSOURI 
Kansas  City — Phonograph  Co.  of  Kansas  City. 
St.  Louis — Silverstone  Music  Co. 

MONTANA 
Helena— Montana  Phonograph  Co. 

NEBRASKA 
Omaha— Shultz  Bros. 

NEW    JERSEY 
Hoboken — Eclipse  Phonograph  Co. 

NEW  YORK 
Albany — American  Phonograph  Co. 
Syracuse — Frank  E.  Bolway  &  Son 
New  York — The  Phonograph   Corporation   of  Man- 
hattan. 

OHIO 

Cincinnati — The  Phonograph  Co. 
Cleveland — The  Phonograph  Co. 
Toledo — Hayes  Music  Co. 

OREGON 
Portland — Graves  Music  Co. 

PENNSYLVANIA 
Philadelphia — Girard  Phonograph  Co. 
Pittsburgh — Buehn  Phonograph  Co. 
Williamsport — W.  A.  Myers. 

TENNESSEE 
Memphis — Atwood  Phonograph  Co. 

TEXAS 
Dallas — Southern  Talking  Machine  Co. 
El  Paso — El  Paso  Phonograph  Co.,  Inc.,  (Disc  only) 
Fort  Worth — Texas-Oklahoma  Phonograph  Co. 
Houston — Houston  Phonograph  Co. 

UTAH 
Ogden — Proudfit  Sporting  Goods  Co. 

VIRGINIA 
Richmond — C.  B.  Haynes  &  Co. 

WASHINGTON 
Seattle — Pacific  Phonograph  Co.,  N.  W. 
Spokane — Graves  Music  Co. 

WISCONSIN 
Milwaukee — The  Phonograph  Co.,  of  Milwaukee. 

CANADA 
Quebec — C.  Robitaille. 
Montreal — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 
St.  John— W.  H.  Thorne  &  Co.,  Ltd. 


Toronto — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 
Vancouver — Kent  Piano  Co.,  Ltd. 
Winnipeg — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 

Babson  Bros. 
Calgary — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 


CYLINDER  ONLY 

ALABAMA 
Birmingham — Talking  Machine  Co. 
Mobile — W.  H.  Reynalds. 

COLORADO 
Denver — Hext  Music  Co. 

GEORGIA 
Atlanta — Atlanta  Phonograph  Co. 
Waycross— Youmans  Jewelry  Co. 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago— Babson  Bros. 

James  I.  Lyons. 
Peoria — Peoria  Phonograph  Co. 
Putnam-Page  Co.,  Inc. 
Quincy — Quincy  Phonograph  Co. 

MARYLAND 
Baltimore— E.  F.  Droop  &  Sons  Co. 
MASSACHUSETTS 
Boston — Eastern  Talking  Machine  Co. 

Iver  Johnson  Sporting  Goods  Co. 
Lowell — Thomas  Wardell. 

MINNESOTA 
St.  Paul— W.  J.  Dyer  &  Bro. 
Koehler  &  Hinrichs. 

MISSOURI 
Kansas  City — Schmelzer  Arms  Co. 
NEW  HAMPSHIRE 
Manchester — John  B.  Varick  Co. 
NEW  JERSEY 
Paterson — James  K.  O'Dea. 

NEW  YORK 
Albany — Finch  &  Hahn. 
Buffalo — W.  D.  Andrews. 

Neal,  Clark  &  Neal  Co. 
Elmira — Elmira  Arm  Co. 

New  York  City — Blackman  Talking  Maching  Co. 
J.  F.  Blackman  &  Son. 
I.  Davega,  Jr.,  Inc. 
S.  B.  Davega  Co. 
J.  B.  Greenhut  Co. 
Rochester — Talking  Machine  Co. 
Syracuse — W.  D.  Andrews  Co. 
Utica — Arthur  F.  Ferriss. 
William  Harrison. 

PENNSYLVANIA 
Philadelphia — Louis  Buehn. 

Penn  Phonograph  Co. 
H.  A.  Weymann  &  Son. 
Scranton — Ackerman  &  Co. 

RHODE   ISLAND 
Providence — J.  A.  Foster  Co. 

J.  Samuels  &  Bro. 

TEXAS 
El  Paso— W.  G.  Walz  Co. 

UTAH 
Salt  Lake  City — Consolidated  Music  Co. 

VERMONT 
Burlington — American  Phonograph  Co. 


1  — — — — — 


, __ 


1 


<&*  EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH 
MONTHLY 


:< 


<©£  EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY 


TIMELY  ITEMS   OF  INTEREST 


It  is  none  too  early  to  think  now  of  Fall  supplies, 
both  of  machines  and  records.  Take  an  optimistic 
view.  This  country  was  never  in  better  position 
financially.  Crops  are  record-breakers.  Conditions 
are  sound.    Let  us  have  your  orders  early. 


We  have  suspended  publication  of  The  Phono- 
gram with  the  issue  of  the  September  number  now 
in  the  Jobbers'  hands.  The  list  of  Blue  Amberol 
Records  contained  in  each  issue  will  be  found  in  the 
usual  monthly  Blue  Amberol  Supplements. 


The  quality  of  the  Blue  Amberol  record  was 
never  better  than  to-day.  Each  month  the  quality 
is  rigidly  held  up  to  standard  both  in  the  selections 
presented  in  the  recording  process  and  in  the  manu- 
facture. Play  a  few  recent  ones  and  be  convinced 
of  the  excellent  value  of  the  Blue  Amberol  to-day. 


W.  E.  Dewell,  who  established  the  phonograph 
department  of  Martin  &  Co.,  Sioux  City,  Iowa,  and 
worked  it  up  to  a  successful  and  paying  branch  of 
this  department  store,  has  recently  entered  upon  a 
new  field  as  manager  of  the  phonograph  sales  of  the 
Huse  Publishing  Co.,  Norfolk,  Nebraska,  where  a 
still  greater  opportunity  awaits  his  efforts.  Mr. 
Dewell  recently  paid  a  visit  to  the  factory  and 
became  still  more  familiar  with  the  Edison  output. 
We  wish  him  unqualified  success  in  his  new  field. 


The  A.  Gressett  Music  House,  Meridian,  Miss., 
has  just  secured  what  is  known  as  the  Wagner 
property,  adjoining  the  Citizens'  Bank  building, 
that  city,  and  at  the  expiration  of  present  leases 
will  remodel  and  occupy  the  entire  building.  The 
consideration  was  $21,000.  The  Gressett  Music 
House  owns  the  property  on  Fifth  Street  it  occupies 
at  present,  and  which  it  will  occupy  until  the  new 
store  is  ready. 


M.  L.  Reynolds,  traveling  salesman  for  the  Silver- 
stone  Music  Co.,  St.  Louis,  is  signing  up  many  new 
Edison  dealers  in  southern  Missouri  and  Arkansas. 
Among  the  new  Edison  dealers  recently  enrolled  are 
the  Hollenberg  Music  Co.,  Little  Rock,  Ark.;  A.  B. 
Carne,  Pierce  City,  Mo.;  the  Benedict-Boyce  Music 
Co.,  Galesburg,  111.;  McQueen  Bros.,  Carrollton, 
Mo.;  C.  W.  Hess,  Butler,  Mo.;  Bush  &  Carne, 
Dyersburg,  Tenn.;  T.  J.  Evans,  Pittsburg,  Kan.; 
W.  H.  Moreland,  Jr.,  Metropolis,  111.;  Holbrook, 
Carthage,  Mo.;  H.  L.  Hoover,  Springfield,  Mo.; 
J.  W.  Guisinger,  Fayetteville,  Ark. 


The  list  of  November  Blue  Amberols  will  appear 
in  the  October  issue  of  the  Monthly.  The  early 
date  of  closing  the  present  issue  for  the  press  pre- 
vented our  getting  the  complete  list  ready  at  this 
time. 


"Our  daily  demonstrations  have  proven  very  suc- 
cessful," said  H.  N.  Purdy,  manager  of  the  Edison 
department  of  Hardman,  Peck  &  Co.,  New  York, 
"and  we  believe  they  have  contributed  materially 
to  the  excellent  business  which  we  closed  in  both 
Edison  machines  and  records.  As  a  matter  of  fact, 
our  sales  totals  last  month  exceeded  our  expecta- 
tions, and  for  a  summer  month  were  really  fine.  The 
Edison  records  are  meeting  with  a  ready  sale  and 
winning  the  admiration  of  all  our  clients." 


A.  N.  Struck,  manager  of  the  Edison  department 
of  the  Tower  Manufacturing  &  Novelty  Co.,  New 
York,  has  been  making  energetic  efforts  to  develop 
his  trade  in  specialized  fields.  Discussing  this  phase 
of  the  Edison  business,  Mr.  Struck  remarked  as 
follows:  "During  the  past  few  weeks  we  have  sold 
four  $250  Edison  machines  to  owners  of  private 
yachts  who  are  planning  to  leave  on  extended  sum- 
mer cruises.  These  purchasers,  who  include  promi- 
nent business  men  and  financiers,  are  enthusiastic 
regarding  the  tonal  qualities  of  the  Edison  machines 
and  records,  and  I  expect  to  close  several  other 
machine  sales  to  yacht  owners  within  the  next  few 
days.  The  $250  machine  is  the  most  popular  seller 
with  all  our  trade,  who  consider  it  the  ideal  machine 
from  all  standpoints." 


W.  O.  Pardee,  of  the  Pardee-Ellenberger  Co.,  of 
New  Haven,  Conn.,  reports  that  business  is  very 
fair  and  more  activity  noticed  than  in  some  time. 
Several  of  the  concerns  in  his  city  are  canvassing 
among  the  hotels,  and  with  considerable  success,  and 
this  has  led  to  looking  into  the  shore  resort  proposi- 
tion, which  promises  to  be  a  fruitful  field.  Mr. 
Pardee  instanced  several  cases  where  small  orches- 
tras were  being  supplanted  by  Edison  machines,  the 
managers  having  become  convinced  that  these 
equipments  could  furnish  greater  variety  than  the 
players  because  of  the  vocal  as  well  as  instrumental 
concerts  they  were  able  to  provide.  In  such  cases 
where  the  hotel  managers  have  had  any  trouble 
with  their  musicians  there  has  been  prompt  decision 
to  resort  to  these  Edison  machines,  and  everywhere 
that  they  are  in  use  they  are  giving  much  satisfac- 
tion, besides  furnishing  a  splendid  medium  of  adver- 
tising among  the  guests. 


146 


THE    EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH     MONTH LY 

Published  in  the  interest  of 

EDISON  PHONOGRAPHS  AND  RECORDS 

By  THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  Inc. 
ORANGE,  N.  J.,  U.  S.  A. 

THOMAS  A.   EDISON,   LTD.,  25  CLERKENWELL  ROAD,   LONDON,   E.   C. 

THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  LTD.,  364-372  KENT  STREET,  SYDNEY,   N.  S.  W. 

COMPANIA  EDISON  HISPANO-AMERICANA,  VIAMONTE  515.  BUENOS  AIRES. 

EDISON  GESELLSCHAFT,  M.  B.  H.  10  FRIEDRICHSTRASSE,  BERLIN. 

COMPAGNIE  FRANCAISE  THOMAS  A.  EDISON.  59  RUE  DES  PETITES-ECURIES,  PARIS. 


Volume  XII 


SEPTEMBER,    1914 


Number  9 


THE   CHILDREN'S    PART   IN   THE 
BLUE  AMBEROL 

HOW  TO  PROMOTE  SALES  THROUGH  CHILDREN'S  INTEREST 


PROGRESSIVE  educators  every- 
where recognize  the  value  of  the 
phonograph  in  the  school-room, 
and  our  School  Phonograph  admirably 
fulfills  the  needs  of  schools,  both  large  and 
small.  When  the  dealer  wishes  to  pro- 
mote these  sales  he  addresses  himself  to 
the  school  faculty  and  unquestionably 
has  the  active  interest  of  every  school  boy 
and  girl.  It  is  not  our  purpose  at  this 
time  to  draw  attention  to  the  educational 
field  for  the  Edison  cylinder  machine. 
There   is    another   field    in    which    the 


healthy,  romping  boy  and  girl  hails  the 
Blue  Amberol  as  one  of  the  finest  kinds 
of  aids  to  a  jolly  time,  especially  out  of 
doors,  and  it  is  of  the  dealer's  opportun- 
ity right  here  that  we  wish  to  speak  at 
this  time. 

In  the  first  place  there  isn't  a  record 
of  any  kind  on  the  field  to-day  that  com- 
pares with  the  Blue  Amberol  for  chil- 
dren's uses.  It's  clear,  it's  unbreakable, 
not  easily  injured,  rapidly  changeable, 
and,  best  of  all,  requires  no  needles.  The 
operation  is  so  simple,  so  safe,  so  expe- 


si          * i ">>  m  b  -a  i^r .'  « < 

mm* 

*W£ 

147 


148 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  SEPT.,  1914 


ditious  that  a  little  child  of  five  can 
handle  it  with  success.  There's  nothing 
more  fascinating  than  to  see  groups  of 
children  playing  the  Edison  Blue  Am- 
berol  on  the  open  lawn.  We  reproduce 
two  such  scenes  herewith,  one  showing 
the  children  in  control,  the  other  an 
operator,  and  the  children  under  the 
guidance  of  an  instructor. 

The  dealer's  interest  in  these  is  purely 
commercial;  can  he  get  any  business  out 
o£  it,  and  if  so,  how  is  he  to  proceed? 
That's  the  question. 

We  will  suggest  a  plan  and  leave  the 
energetic  dealer  to  work  it  out  to  a  suc- 
cess which  we  feel  sure  will  follow. 

PLAN.  Get  the  children  on  your  side 
as  aides.  Enlist  their  interest,  then  turn 
that  interest  to  account.  We  suggest  a 
"Children's  Recital"  on  the  lawn.  Take 
a  small  Edison  cylinder  model  and  sev- 
eral records  with  you  to  a  neighbor's 
lawn  and  ask  permission  to  demonstrate 
it.  Get  the  boys  and  girls  together  on  a 
certain  afternoon  by  handing  out  "Invi- 
tations to  a  Free  Edison  Recital" — just 
small  cards,  which  can  be  placed  in  the 
hands  of  boys  or  girls  for  distribution. 


Choose  a  clear,  bright  day  (or  wait  till 
one  comes),  by  announcing  "On  Satur- 
day afternoon  at  3  P.  M.;  or,  if  stormy, 
the  next  clear  day." 

Make  the  children  sit  down  on  the 
grass  in  groups.  If  possible  secure  the 
help  of  some  ladies  from  your  own  home 
or  from  the  homes  of  the  children,  to 
maintain  discipline  and  order. 

Then  and  there  form  a  club,  to  be 
known  as  "The  Edison  Junior  Phono- 
graph Club." 

Have  one  of  the  ladies  assume  control 
as  President.  After  the  recital  is  over, 
announce  the  plan  which  will  be  to  in- 
clude every  boy  and  girl  who  wants  to 
enjoy  the  phonograph  in  future  meetings 
of  the  club.  Then  plan  an  initiation  fee 
of  twenty-five  cents  or  fifty  cents,  and 
weekly  dues  of  five  or  ten  cents.  Put  a 
price  on  the  phonograph  with  a  number 
of  records — say  ten  or  twenty,  then 
divide  up  the  amount  into  shares,  and 
have  the  President  collect  dues  regu- 
larly. The  phonograph  to  be  sold  on 
installment  plan,  and  the  President  to  be 
responsible  for  its  payment.  In  a  very 
short  time  it  will  have  been  paid  for. 


UNION  PARK  PLAY  GROUNDS,  DES  MOINES,  IOWA 


EDISON   PHONOGRAPH   MONTHLY,  SEPT.,  1914         149 


DALLAS  PHONOGRAPH  COMPANY 
DALLAS,  TEXAS 

SINCE  the  opening  of  their  new  store,  909  Elm 
Street,  Nov.  1,  1913,  this  enterprising  con- 
cern has  made  rapid  strides  in  the  southwest. 
They  carry  a  full  line  of  both  cylinder  and  disc 
Edison  Machines  and  records,  and  have  always 
given  them  a  fine  showing  in  their  beautiful  store. 
Mr.  J.  N.  Swanson,  the  President,  is  also  President 
of  the  Houston  Phonograph  Co.,  Houston,  Texas, 
and  a  hustle*-.  S.J.  Brennan  is  Vice-President  and 
Manager.  They  employ  exceptionally  good  sales- 
men, and  do  a  fine  retail  business.  They  make  a 
specialty  of  store  demonstrations,  and  give  personal 
attention  to  all  details. 


A    BEAUTIFUL    NEW    EDISON 

STORE  FORMALLY 

OPENED 

DANCING  of  the  maxixe,  the  hesitation,  the 
one-step  and  the  tango  by  scores  of  patrons 
signalized  the  opening  of  the  Southwestern 
Talking  Machine  Company's  new  store  on  Elm 
Street,  between  Poydras  and  Griffin,  Dallas, 
Texas,  on  June  15th.  A  novel  feature  of  the  opening 
was  the  fact  that  instruction  in  these  modern  dances 
was  given  by  records  specially  prepared. 

Another  feature  of  the  opening  was  the  rendering 
of  a  number  of  new  vocal  solo  records. 

The    new    home    of    the    Southwestern    Talking 
Machine  Company  is  one  of  the  largest  and  most 


modern  exclusive  talking-machine  stores  in  the 
world.  It  is  said  to  be  the  largest  in  Texas.  The 
lower  floor  contains  a  large  reception  room  in  front. 
Directly  beyond  that  is  a  mahogany  room,  where 
instruments  in  that  wood  only  are  shown  and  sold. 
Beyond  that  is  an  Early  English  room,  while  in  the 
next,  instruments  in  various  woods  are  displayed. 

A  good  portion  of  the  ground  floor  is  devoted  to 
a  recital-hall.  This  room  is  at  the  disposal  of 
any  Dallas  club  or  organization  that  possesses 
no  home,  without  charge.  It  can  be  used  freely  by 
any  such  institution  at  any  time.  The  entire  rear 
of  the  ground  floor  is  occupied  by  the  record  room, 
where  40,000  to  100,000  records  will  be  kept  on  hand 
at  all  times. 

On  the  second  floor  are  the  business  offices  of  the 
Company.  In  connection  with  these  is  a  section 
where  a  dictaphone  class  is  maintained.  This 
class  is  conducted  free  by  the  company  for  the  pur- 
pose of  instructing  girls  in  taking  dictation  from 
the  dictaphone. 

Hundreds  of  visitors  viewed  the  new  quarters 
of  the  company  recently  and  scores  of  these  were 
instructed  in  the  new  dances.  All  afternoon,  on 
the  lower  floor  of  the  building,  scores  were  dancing, 
or  trying  to  dance,  the  new  steps. 

Roses,  carnations  and  gladioluses  were  distri- 
buted among  the  visitors  by  the  store  management 
and  grapefruit  punch  was  served  throughout  the 
afternoon.  The  officials  of  the  company  on  hand  to 
greet  the  visitors  were:  Ralph  Cabanas,  President; 
R.  R.  Souders,  Manager;  Alvin  B.  Giles,  Advertis- 
ing Manager;  Harry  Bibb,  Retail  Manager,  and 
Miss  May  Richards,  Assistant  Retail  Manager. 


ISO 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  SEPT.,  1914 


Kent 
Music 

l^O.,  Ltd. 


HERBERT    KENT 
President  and  Managing  Director 


DARYL    H.  KENT 
Assistant  Manager  and  Secretary 


558  GRANVILLE  STREET,  VANCOUVER,  B.  C. 


THE  RECORD  ROOM 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  SEPT.,  1914 


151 


WHO'S   WHO  AMONG   EDISON   JOBBERS 

NINTH  ARTICLE 


THE   KENT   PIANO   CO.,    Limited 

Successors  to  M.  W.  Waitt  &  Co.,  Limited 
558    Granville   Street,  Vancouver,   B.   C. 

Established  1862 

Wholesale  and  Retail 

Edison  New  Tone  Cylinder  and  Disc  Phonographs 

HERBERT  KENT,  President  and  Managing  Director  DARYL  H.  KENT,  Assist.  Manager  and  Secretary 


IT  was  Horace  Greeley  who  said  "Go  West, 
young  man,  and  grow  up  with  the  country." 
And  this  sentiment  came  forcibly  to  the  mind 
of  a  young  man  in  Gardiner,  Maine. 

It  is  hard  to  quit  one's  native  town,  the  place  of 
his  birth,  the  home  surroundings  and  all  one's 
friends.  But  this  was  done  by  Marshall  Wilder 
Waitt  in  1859.  He  left  the  stationery  store  of  his 
father  and  plunged  into  the  unknown.  There  were 
no  Pullman  cars  in  those  days;  in  fact,  no  railways 
at  all.  The  young  man  must  trek  across  the  coun- 
try wilds  and  slowly  make  his  tedious  way. 

He  finally  arrived  at  a  Hudson  Bay  Post  known 
then  as  "Fort  Camosun,"  but  now  known  to  all  the 
world  as  "Victoria,"  the  capital  of  British  Colum- 
bia, Canada. 

In  1862  he  opened  a  music  and  stationery  store 
under  the  name  of  M.  W.  Waitt  &  Co.  Success 
waits  upon  earnestness  and  industry,  and  in  a  few 
years  Waitt  &  Co.  had  dropped  stationery  and  were 
busy  selling  musical  instruments  and  musical  mer- 
chandise. A  larger  store  was  taken  and  the  goods 
soon  crept  upstairs  and  downstairs,  so  a  branch 
store  was  decided  upon.  Mr.  Waitt  sailed  to  Gran- 
ville, afterward  Vancouver,  B.  C,  with  a  few  organs 
and  other  musical  goods.  He  was  ready  to  disem- 
bark and  intended  to  open  a  store  there  on  June 
14th,  1886.  But  "the  best  laid  plans  of  mice  and 
men  gang  aft  agley."  On  Sunday,  June  13th,  1886, 
the  town  of  Granville  was  completely  wiped  out  by 
fire.  So  Mr.  Waitt  returned  somewhat  disappointed 
to  Victoria. 

Eighteen  years  afterward,  in  the  spring  of  1904, 
was  opened  the  present  Vancouver  store,  which  has 
since  become  the  main  operating  centre  for  many 
agencies  throughout  the  Province. 


Mr.  Waitt  was  called  by  death  in  1892,  but  his 
son-in-law,  Mr.  Herbert  Kent,  assumed  active, 
efficient  control.  Mr.  Kent  had  already  had  six 
years'  experience  in  the  various  departments  of  the 
store. 

It  was  just  about  this  time  that  the  world  was 
talking  of  Mr.  Edison's  new  invention,  "Canned 
Music."  Naturally  being  in  the  music  business,  we 
tested  out  a  few  different  styles,  although  at  that 
time  they  were  looked  upon  as  toys. 

The  writer  well  remembers  the  Cylinder  and  Disc 
stock  on  hand  at  the  time  he  entered  the  business  in 
1903.  It  is  no  exaggeration  to  say  that  the  Phono- 
graphs presented  a  rather  crude-looking  bunch, 
being  English,  German  and  Edison's,  and  the  total 
stock  of  records  consisted  of  about  300.  We  ad- 
vanced gradually  and  finally  had  a  complete  stock 
of  every  Edison  number,  then  to  a  complete  stock 
in  the  Vancouver  Branch,  which  was  now  opened, 
and  finally  to  the  year  1913,  when  we  took  the  job- 
bing agency  at  Vancouver. 

While  on  the  subject  of  the  Vancouver  Branch, 
we  opened  with  1,200  feet  of  floor  space.  After  a 
couple  of  years  we  had  to  move  to  other  premises 
with  3,000  feet  of  space,  finally  having  a  building 
erected  for  us,  altered,  etc.,  until  we  are  now  occupy- 
ing 15,000  feet  of  space. 

In  June,  1913,  it  was  deemed  advisable  to  change 
the  name  of  the  Company  to  that  of  The  Kent 
Piano  Co.,  Limited,  as  there  were  no  Waitt's  actively 
connected  with  the  business. 

Our  success  has  been  principally  due  to  our  Mr. 
H.  Kent  steadfastly  following  the  business  principles 
of  honesty,  uprightness,  straight  dealing  and  a  gen- 
eral observance  of  the  Golden  Rule,  so  ably  laid 
down  and  followed  by  Mr.  Waitt. 


152 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  SEPT.,  1914 


HOW  CAN  THE  JOBBER  ASSIST 
THE  DEALER 

By  Daryl  H.  Kent 
Secretary  of  The  Kent  Piano  Co.,  Ltd. 

WE  have  been  asked  to  express  our  views  on 
the  above  phase  of  the  business. 

At  the  outset  we  would  have  it  understood 
what  we  say  will  apply  mostly  to  the  small  dealers 
in  sparsely  settled  parts  of  the  country,  where  com- 
munication is  not  of  the  best,  and  where  distances 
are  somewhat  of  a  drawback. 

In  British  Columbia,  for  instance,  owing  to  its 
vast  area,  the  population  is  very  much  scattered, 
the  great  majority  of  the  entire  population  of  the 
Province  living  in  the  few  large  cities. 

The  small  dealer,  therefore,  is  somewhat  handi- 
capped by  reason  of  distance  from  the  larger  centers, 
poor  means  of  transportation,  and  in  many  cases  by 
reason  of  lack  of  enthusiasm  in  the  goods  that  he 
may  be  unsystematically  handling. 

To  work  up  such  enthusiasm,  one  of  the  best 
means  is  to  send  a  representative  to  visit  the  people 
at  stated  times,  but  this  is  not  always,  in  a  country 
such  as  British  Columbia,  a  paying  investment  for 
the  jobber,  as  the  time  and  money  expended  do  not 
reap  anything  like  a  reasonable  return. 

In  certain  sections  we  think  it  a  good  plan  to 
ascertain  what  the  dealer  is  doing  to  advertise  the 
Edison  goods,  and  to  offer  suggestions  to  him  the 
jobber  will  write  a  series  of  ads  based  on  his  knowl- 
edge and  experience  in  such  matters,  with  the  re- 
quest that  he  have  them  inserted  in  the  local  or  close- 
locality  papers.  A  dealer,  who  in  a  great  majority 
of  cases  in  this  Province  handles  all  sorts  of  com- 
modities, very  often  does  very  little  advertising,  and 
if  he  does  it  is  in  a  general  way,  so  he  has  to  be  en- 
lightened on  the  good  results  to  be  obtained  by 
specific  ads.  This  is  where  the  jobber  can  be  of  use 
and  mutually  helpful,  providing,  of  course,  he  has 
the  co-operation  of  the  dealer. 

Another  dealer's  help  is  to  circularize  him  from 
time  to  time  with  other  than  the  regular  notices  and 
literature  sent  him  from  the  Edison  company,  as  we 
are  of  the  opinion  that  a  great  deal  of  this  "from 
Edison  to  dealer"  printed  matter  goes  to  waste,  and 
we  are  wondering  whether  if  this  same  matter, 
mailed  by  the  jobber  in  their  own  envelopes,  and  in 
some  cases  on  their  own  stationery,  would  not  ac- 
complish more  good.  However  the  jobber  can  cir- 
cularize the  dealer,  often  recommending  certain 
machines  or  records  just  to  hand,  and  touching  on 
other  points  that  from  time  to  time  turn  up,  with 
good  results,  mutually  beneficial. 

The  jobber  can,  where  possible,  secure  mailing 
lists  from  the  small  dealers,  and  scatter  literature 


among  them,  by  mail  direct,  at  the  same  time  men- 
tioning the  dealer  in  the  locality  where  the  goods 
can  be  had,  and  thus  be  the  means  of  securing  added 
business  for  both  himself  and  the  local  dealer. 

The  jobber  might  also  take  it  upon  himself  to 
educate  the  smaller  dealers  into  the  value  of  can- 
vassing, but  this  means  up-hill  work  for  some  time, 
as  in  most  of  the  small  towns  one  man  and  a  boy  run 
a  general  store,  and  to  make  this  one  man  realize 
the  advantages  of  extra  help,  while  he  or  his  extra 
help  could  get  out  and  sell  phonographs,  is  somewhat 
of  a  large  undertaking. 


TRIBUTE  TO  THE   PHONOGRAPH 

IN   the  course  of  an   interesting  tribute  to  the 
phonograph    and    its    influence,    one    London 
music  critic  says: 
"The  phonograph  is  not  only  the  greatest  invention 
of  the  age  so  far  as  concerns  the  music  trades  and 
the  wide   musical   public,   but   it   is   impossible   to 
define  its  future  potentialities. 

The  early  phonograph  was  clever  but  grotesque. 
Now  it  is  not  only  clever  but  stupendous  in  its 
powers.  It  seems  to  have  hardly  any  limitations, 
and  yet  it  is  being  constantly  improved  upon,  not 
only  in  its  sound-producing  qualities,  but  in  those 
aspects  which  make  it  the  companion  of  the  home. 
The  questions  of  disc  or  cylinder  records,  type  of 
machine,  etc.,  are  for  individual  preference,  but 
we  recognize  in  the  variety  of  types  the  immense 
opportunities  for  fair  and  lively  competition  which 
that  diversity  affords.  It  is  doubtful  whether  any 
musical  instrument  was  ever  the  subject  of  com- 
petition so  keen  as  the  talking  machine,  or  whether 
it  paid  the  dealer  so  well  to  study  everything  in 
regard  to  it. 

The  phonograph  has  now  obtained  a  status  in 
the  eyes  of  genuinely  musical  folk  far  higher  than 
before.  Only  the  other  day  one  of  London's  most 
important  publishers  said  to  us:  T  think  the  phono- 
graph is  the  best  friend  the  publishing  trade  ever 
had.'  Despite  pessimism  in  certain  quarters,  the 
collection  of  royalties  seems  to  work  quite  smoothly 
and  to  be  dissipating  a  prejudice  not  unnaturally 
felt  previously  at  the  indiscriminate  use  of  valuable 
copyright  property.  The  music  dealer  who  is  not 
blind  to  the  trend  of  the  times  perceives  in  the 
phonograph  a  "side  line" — as  some  prefer  to  term 
it — of  invaluable  possibilities.  We  should  call  it 
by  a  more  important  name — AN  INDISPENS- 
ABLE DEPARTMENT  OF  ANY  MUSIC  BUSI- 
NESS." 


TONE  IS  PERFECT 

"We  are  more  than  delighted  with  our  Edison. 
The  tone  reproduction  is  perfect.  We  have  received 
many  compliments  on  our  selection." — /.  F.  Kane, 
Des  Moines,  Iowa. 


THE  DIAMOND  DISC 

Matters  of  Special  Interest  to  Disc  Jobbers  and  Dealers 


7f!  t  rfiiiS«* 


iSiMMESSEZS 


HOW  MR.  WILMOT  ADVERTISES 
AND  SELLS  CAR-LOT  SHIPMENTS 
OF  EDISON  DISC  PHONOGRAPHS 

THREE  years  ago  or  more,  W.  D.  Wilmot,  of 
Fall  River,  Mass.,  was  handling  all  makes  of 
talking  machines.  Late  in  1912  he  visited  the 
Boston  Electrical  Show,  and  there  heard  for  the  first 
time  the  new  Edison  Disc  Phonograph.  Although 
he  had  been  several  years  in  the  talking  machine 
line,  the  experience  was 
a  revelation  to  him,  and 
he  went  back  to  Fall 
River  with  a  troubled 
mind,  wondering  how 
he  could  conscientiously 
handle  anything  by 
what  now  he  was  en- 
thusiastically convinced 
was  by  far  the  best. 
Of  course  he  could 
carry  the  Edison  Disc  along  with  the  other  talking 
machines  with  which  he  was  so  well  stocked-up;  but 
a  difficulty  arose  right  here  in  his  mind;  what  should 
he  say  to  those  patrons  who  asked  his  advice  as  to 
the  best  machine?  His  attitude  was  summed  up  in 
a  remark  he  made  one  day  within  our  hearing: 

"I  want  the  good-will  and  confidence  of  all  who 
trade  with  me.  To  my  way  of  thinking  a  customer 
has  good  reason  to  be  suspicious  of  any  dealer  that 
beats  around  the  bush  when  candidly  asked  for  his 
advice  as  to  the  best  instrument,  and  adroitly  defers 
an  answer  until  he  has  sounded  that  customer's  pre- 
dilections, and  then,  to  effect  a  quick,  easy  sale, 
naively  agrees  with  him." 


That  kind  of  business  policy  did  not  appeal  to  Mr. 
Wilmot;  yet,  obviously,  if  he  continued  to  carry  all 
makes  he  must  evade  discrimination.  There  was 
but  one  course  open — to  dispose  of  all  other  talking 
machines  and  come  out  squarely  and  conscientiously 
for  the  Edison.  This  he  did  at  considerable  sacri- 
fice, and  from  that  day  he  has  been  "Edison 
Exclusively." 

The  step  then  taken  was  so  characteristic  of  the 
man  that  it  explains  in  a  great  measure  the  remark- 
able success  that  has  built  up  a  business  that  now 
enables  him  to  order  by  the  car-lot.  The  key-note 
to  it  all  is  sincerity  and  enthusiasm.  Mr.  Wilmot 
became  so  much  of  an  enthusiastic  himself,  that  the 
prospective  purchaser  caught  the  Edison  spirit.  To 
him  it  was  a  joy  to  demonstrate  the  Edison  disc;  to 
answer  off-hand  every  question  about  it  and  to 
awaken  in  his  listener  some  of  the  thrill  of  real  music 
that  made  his  face  radiant  with  smiles.  He  had  the 
prospect  "half  sold,"  long  before  the  price  was 
mentioned. 

We  are  glad  to  pay  this  tribute  to  Mr.  Wilmot' s 
sales-ability,  for,  in  a  measure,  it  is  fundamental  to 
his  success  thus  far  achieved,  and  the  harbinger  of  a 
future  standing,  not  only  in  Fall  River,  but  among 
Edison  dealers  everywhere,  that  must  rank  him  very 
high. 

Let  us  now  turn  to  Mr.  Wilmot's  methods  of 
handling  car-lot  shipments — the  preparations  he 
makes  before  the  car  arrives;  the  publicity  given  it 
in  a  street  parade  and  in  the  newspapers.  Then  let 
us  go  with  him  on  a  few  characteristic  sales  and  see 
how  he  disposes  of  the  instruments  one  by  one  till 
another  car-load  is  needed. 


153 


154 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  SEPT.,  1914 


MR.  WILMOT'S  PLANS  FOR  CAR-LOT 
PUBLICITY 

We  reproduce  above  a  picture  of  the  full  car-load 
of  Edison  Disc  Phonographs  consigned  to  Mr.  Wil- 
mot  as  it  appeared  on  its  arrival  at  Fall  River.  It 
represented  a  value  of  38,675  and  was  made  up  as 
follows:   One  3275  machine;  sixteen  3250  machines; 


lin  banner  for  the  car  was  all  ready;  the  car  was 
switched  alongside  the  dock  in  a  position  advan- 
tageous for  a  good  photograph. 

THE  STREET  PARADE 

The   street   parade   was    carefully   thought   out; 
trucks  and  stages  engaged;  route  of  parade  decided 


MY  DEAR  FALL  RIVER: 

We  all  like  to  show  off  occasionally,  and  have  our  friends  see  our 
progress.  You  have  seen  the  Merchants'  Carnival  Parade,  and  the  Big- 
White  Way  Parade,  and  the  Fourth  of  July  Parade,  and  you  will  probably 
see  another  big  parade  on  Labor  Day. 

Did  you  see  Wilmot's  Edison  Diamond  Disc  Phonograph  Parade,  on 
Saturday? 

I  have  received  several  other  large  shipments  of  this  phonograph  of 
the  future,  but  the  present  shipment  was  so  large  that  it  required  James 
Brazeil's  big  auto-truck  and  five  big  moving  vans  to  move  this  $8,675.00 
shipment  from  the  freight  house. 

So  just  to  let  my  Fall  River  friends  know  what  the  Wilmot  Store  is 
doing,  I  paraded  them  through  the  principal  streets,  and  then  had  Gay 
photograph  the  parade  while  it  stopped  at  the  Wilmot  Store,  opposite  the 
Fall  River  Library.     Look  for  the   photograph  in  our  window. 

These  six  big  vans,  with  signs  on  them,  made  an  impressing  demon- 
stration of  the  business  we  have  had,  and  shall  have  in  supplying  the 
demand  for  the  phonograph  which  reproduces  music  and  the  human  voice 
more  truly  than  it  has  ever  been  reproduced  before. 

The  Edison  Diamond  Disc  Phonograph  is  the  instrument  of  the  future, 
and  it  has  been  called  "ALL  IN  ONE."  because  it  plays  all  makes  of  rec- 
ords and  all  records  of  all  singers,  better  than  any  other  instrument  can. 

To  begin  with,  it  is  supplied  with  a  polished  diamond  point,  which  is 
never  changed,  and  which  never  wears  out,  consequently  there  are  no 
needles  to  buy  or  change.     It  is  "REAL  MUSIC  AT  LAST." 

If  you  have  not  already  listened  to  this  charming  revelation  in  mu- 
sical reproduction,  kindly  accept  this  advertisement  as  a  personal  invita- 
tion, to  visit  the  Wilmot  Store,  and  hear  music  surpassing  any  you  have 
ever  heard,  anywhere — better  than  you  can  hear  in  concert  hall,  or  at  the 
opera. 

We  can  accept  a  limited  number  of  the  older  styles  in  exchange,  or 
extend  credit  to  the  good  passers. 

Now  won't  you  kindly  accept  this  invitation,  and  let  me  have  the 
pleasure  of  playing  a  few  records  for  you? 

Cordially  yours, 


W.  D.  WILMOT 


FAC-SIMILE  OF  WILMOT'S  NEWSPAPER  ADVT. 


three  3200  machines;  twenty  3150  machines  and  ten 
380  machines.  These  together  with  the  stock  Mr. 
Wilmot  had  on  hand  at  the  time  the  car-lot  was 
received,  represented  an  entire  stock-in-trade  of 
310,695.  The  advertising,  therefore,  was  to  be  in 
the  interests  of  moving  his  entire  supply. 

Three  features  were  decided  upon  to  give  pub- 
licity at  this  time:  (1)  A  City-Street  Parade;  (2) 
Special  Newspaper  Advertising;  (3)  Effective  Store 
and  Window  Display.  All  the  details  were  carefully 
planned  long  before  the  car  arrived.     The  large  mus- 


on;  and  special  banners  (one  on  either  side  of  each 
truck  or  stage)  prepared.  Each  banner  contained 
one  of  the  following  slogans: 

"The  Future  Leader" 

"Real  Music  at  Last" 

"It  Sounds  Human" 

"The  Latest  and  Best" 

"Far  In  the  Lead" 

"No  Needles  to  Change" 

"Why  Buy  Any     But  the  Best" 

"They  Have  a  Tone  That's  All  Their  Own" 

"Brings  Harmony  Into  Every  Home" 

"A  Charming  Pastime,  for  a  Life  Time" 

"Marvelously  Near  Perfection" 

"The  Best  You  Ever  Heard" 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  SEPT ,  1914 


155 


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MR.  WILMOTS  CAR-LOT  SHIPMENT  READY  FOR  THE  PARADE 


"All  That's  Best  in  One" 
"Plays  All  Makes  of  Records" 
"The  Musical  Store  House" 
"An  Encyclopedia  of  Music" 

These  signs  were  in  addition  to  a  general  one  on 
each  truck  reading: 

"Full  Car-load  Shipment  of  Edison  Diamond  Disc 
Phonographs  for  W.  D.  Wilmot.     Value,  28,675" 

The  parade  lasted  three  hours  and  covered  all  the 
principal  business  and  residential  streets  of  Fall 
River.  The  only  regret  Mr.  Wilmot  has  is  that  he 
could  not  secure  all  auto-trucks,  but  had  to  impress 
into  service  some  stages.  Another  time  he  will 
obviate  this  and  use  only  auto-trucks  and  thus  be 
strictly  up-to-date. 

THE  DAILY  PAPER  ADVERTISING 

The  preparation  of  special  copy  for  the  news- 
papers (to  appear  the  day  after  the  parade)  took 
much  time  and  forethought.  The  following  adver- 
tisement was  inserted  in  all  four  of  the  daily  papers 
of  Fall  River.  We  reproduce  it  exactly  as  set  up,  in 
type  and  size: 

The  heading  of  this  copy,  "My  Dear  Fall  River," 
seemed  to  have  made  a  very  happy  hit  with  Fall 
River  people;  many  spoke  of  it  as  a  good  stroke  of 
business.  This  advertisement,  to  our  way  of  think- 
ing, is  effectively  and  cleverly  written. 

The  parade  was  very  opportune;  as  will  be  noticed 
in  the  advertisement  it  was  the  fourth  parade  Fall 
River  had  been  privileged  to  witness,  and  it  was 
'Wilmot's"  exclusively. 


THE  STORE'S  APPEARANCE 
The  store  at  101  Main  Street  put  on  a  holiday 
appearance.  The  show  windows  were  attractively 
arranged  and  contained  two  large  photos  of  the 
loaded  freight  car  alongside  the  dock  and  of  the  vans 
filled  jam  full  of  disc  phonographs.  Most  any  mo- 
ment one  could  find  several  persons  looking  in  at 
the  store  window.  A  policy  of  "watchful  waiting" 
was  adopted  to  entertain  anyone  who  showed  the 
least  inclination  to  come  in  and  hear  the  disc.  Mr. 
Wilmot  kept  "open  house"  those  few  days  and 
made  sure  that  every  inquirer  or  purchaser  for  any- 
thing in  the  store  got  an  invitation  to  hear  the 
Edison  disc,  and  many  availed  themselves  of  the 
courtesy  thus  extended. 

THE  AFTERMATH 

Mr.  Wilmot  sums  up  the  experience  with  these 
characteristic  remarks: 

"I  have  spent  a  good  deal  of  money  at  one  time 
and  another  for  advertising,  but  nothing  I  have  ever 
done  has  been  so  big  and  so  impressive  as  the  receipt 
of  this  full  car-lot  and  the  parading  of  the  instru- 
ments about  town,  combined  with  my  advertise- 
ment in  four  local  dailies  next  day. 

"My  seed  is  sown  and  all  now  depends  upon  how 
I  cultivate  the  minds  of  my  Fall  River  people.  By 
•having  a  car-lot  shipment  it  cost  less  per  phono- 
graph for  trasnportation,  and,  while  it  cost  me  #50 
for  the  hire  of  the  six  big  vans  for  five  hours,  it 
would  have  cost  a  part  of  this  even  if  I  had  not  used 
them  for  parading — merely  to  cart  the  goods  to  my 
store  and  storehouse. 

"Then  there  was  the  expense  of  car  writing,  sign 


156 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  SEPT.,  1914 


on  the  car,  photographs  and  newspaper  advertising, 
which  can  be  made  as  large  or  as  small  as  any  dealer 
cares  to  make  it.  I  spent  in  all  for  freight,  haulage, 
parade,  photographs,  newspaper  advertisements, 
tips,  etc.,  about  #150,  but  as  I  have  said,  it  was  by 
far  the  most  convincing  and  impressive  advertising 
stunt  I  have  ever  pulled  off.  All  Fall  River  is  talk- 
ing about  it  and  will  remember  it  when  reading  my 
regular  advertisements,  letters  or  circulars.  I  am 
better  known  now  as  "The  Edison  Disc  Phonograph 
man  of  Fall  River'  than  ever  before." 

PLACING  CAR-LOT  ORDERS 

"Laying  in  stock  is  like  laying  the  foundation  for 
a  big  business,  or  sowing  seed  for  a  big  harvest.  I 
have  as  much  faith  in  the  future  of  the  Diamond 
Disc  Phonograph  as  the  farmer  has  in  the  future  of 
seed  sown  in  good  soil  and  properly  cultivated.  In 
placing  so  large  an  order  I  was  greatly  influenced  by 
three  very  encouraging  factors: — First,  was  the 
growing  preference  of  the  public  here  for  the  Edison 
Diamond  Disc  Phonograph — a  fact  that  becomes 
more  and  more  obvious  to  me;  Second,  to  the  fact 
that  I  could  handle  a  car-lot  shipment  effectively 
from  an  advertising  point  of  view;  it  would  give  me 
something  to  make  a  noise  over,  and  then,  Third, 
equally  important,  I  would  have  the  instruments 


right  here  where  I  could  put  my  fingers  on  them 
when  needed  and  thus  make  instant  deliveries — the 
very  day  the  sale  is  effected.  That  meant  better 
service,  for  I  have  learned  that  when  a  man  gets 
enthusiastic  over  the  Edison  disc  he  can't  get  it 
into  his  home  quick  enough.  Service  is  an  impor- 
tant factor  in  successful  handling  of  the  Disc." 

MR.  WILMOT'S  SALES  POLICY 

"If  there  is  any  one  reason  stronger  than  an- 
other," says  Mr.  Wilmot,  "why  I  have  been  very 
successful  in  selling  Edison  Diamond  Disc  Phono- 
graphs, it  is  because  I  fully  believe  that  it  is  far 
beyond  comparison  with  anything  else  yet  heard. 
From  the  first  day  I  had  a  sample  in  my  store  I 
have  never  allowed  any  discriminating  customer 
who  happened  in  for  other  merchandise  to  get  away 
without  an  invitation  to  hear  it.  A  number  of  per- 
sons come  in  for  toys,  sporting  goods  or  some  trifle, 
perhaps.  I  make  it  a  point  to  ask  them  if  they 
would  not  like  to  hear  Mr.  Edison's  wonderful  New 
Musical  Insturment  and  invariably  they  are  glad  to 
do  so.  This  is  sowing  'musical  seed'  and  the  har- 
vest will  come  some  day.  I  lose  no  opportunity  to 
give  concerts  and  demonstrations  in  churches,  lodges 
or  other  gatherings;  nor  to  place  the  disc  free  in 
homes  on  trial." 


SOME   CHARACTERISTIC  WILMOT   SALES 


The  following  are  not  offered  as  showing  in  any 
way  remarkable  sales  ability,  but  rather  that  the 
sales  have  been  effected  through  diligent  attention  to 
details;  to  a  careful  following  up  of  any  clue;  to  a 
wholesome  geniality  and  willingness  to  meet  people 
in  a  way  most  acceptable  to  themselves.  Versatil- 
ity in  changing  one's  selling  tactics  to  fit  individual 
buyers  is  what  is  most  needed.  This,  backed  up 
with  sincerity  and  enthusiasm,  is  perhaps  the  lesson 
these  experiences  convey.  They  are  qualifications 
every  dealer  can  cultivate  and  put  into  effective  use. 

SALE  No.  1  "One  of  the  first  sales  I  ever  made 
was  to  one  of  Fall  River's  leading  merchants.  He 
had  heard  about  the  Edison  disc,  but  he  wanted  to 
hear  it  alongside  of  other  talking  machines.  He  was 
a  little  incredulous  as  to  my  characterizations  of  it. 
So,  as  soon  as  I  could  unpack  one,  I  phoned  to  him 
for  an  appointment.  He  came  promptly  and  lis- 
tened to  my  full  stock  of  disc  records,  which  at  that 
time  consisted  of  only  two.  If  I  had  had  a  hundred 
he  would  have  listened  to  them  all.  But  after  hear- 
ing just  two,  without  a  word,  he  sat  down  and  wrote 
his  check  for  #250  and  then  exacted  a  promise  from 
me  to  store  the  machine  till  Christmas  morning.  I 
never  made  a  more  delightful  sale." 

SALE  No.  2.  "So  delighted  did  my  No.  1  cus- 
tomer become  after  he  had  the  Disc  in  his  own  home, 
that  he  soon  visited  me  again  and  bought  another 
#250  machine,  this  time  for  his  aged  mother  (88), 
who  had  found  such  great  comfort  and  pleasure  in 
listening  to  her  favorite  hymns  and  songs  on  her 
son's  Edison  Disc.  The  joy  these  two  people  had 
found  in  the  Edison  nerved  me  up  to  attempt  other 
sales." 


SALE  No.  3.  "My  next  sale  was  to  another 
leading  citizen  of  Fall  River  who  was  the  owner  of 

a   #200  machine   and   about  #600  worth   of 

records.  He  finally  heard  the  Edison  Disc  at  my 
earnest  solicitation.  That  settled  it.  He  offered 
me  his  whole  stock  of — records  and  his  machine  in 
part  payment.  He  fairly  begged  me  to  make  him  an 
offer.  But  I  had  to  refuse;  and,  finally  he  sold  his 
outfit  at  a  great  sacrifice,  and  then  bought  a  beauti- 
ful Edison  Disc  model  with  a  good  supply  of  records. 
Now  I  have  a  warm  friend  in  him." 

SALE  No.  4.  "Soon  after  these  three  sales,  a 
farmer  from  a  suburban  town  came  in  my  store  to 
buy  a  '#50  Talking  Machine— just  like  the  one  I 
had  sold  his  friend.'    That  was  in  the  days  when  I 

had  other  machines  still  in  stock.     I  sold  him  a 

and  had  his  order  to  deliver  it,  when,  on  leaving,  he 
said,  'I  hate  the  bother  of  changing  those  needles 
every  time.'  I  jumped  at  my  chance.  I  showed  him 
a  #150  Edison  and  played  a  couple  of  records  for 
him  and  his  wife.  This  completely  changed  their 
minds.  He  instructed  me  to  deliver  the  #150  Edison 
Disc.    In  thirty  days  I  had  his  check  in  full." 

These  are  all  store  sales  and  Mr.  Wilmot  could 
give  any  number  like  them.  Outside  the  store, 
sales  spring  up  in  a  number  of  ways,  for,  to  the  man 
who  has  the  Edison  Disc  always  in  mind,  there  are 
endless  opportunities.  We  give  just  three  of  Mr. 
Wilmot's  experiences: 

SALE  No.  5.  "I  was  on  a  train  going  to  Boston 
when  a  retired  business  man  urged  me  to  make  the 
fourth  man  in  a  game  of  whist.  I  pleaded  ignorance 
of  the  game,  but  he  would  not  take  'No'  for  an 
answer.    During  the  game  he  began  joking  me  about 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  SEPT.,  1914 


157 


[ 

*       *  i.r  -                      ^^ 

t                ill                               "  ■■'                                                       IBIH^        ■§£ 

{                    j_sii  —                               "f     i  -     :             -  •  p ,                                                            "  >     ShBE  X                 SHH 
■~ »"                          l-==sa-                                             I            ' '.',        ',',                                                  ■=  -  -  b        mS   SR  ^H                  raaii 

B:       „Lii^              jv  1-    :..         ' .,        h   1   1    7"-—  ' 

"  ■'.!*.':■    r       I 

.      A. 

• 

MASONIC  LODGE  ROOMS,  WATERLOO,  IOWA 


the  number  of '  talking  machines '  I  had  sold  to  mem- 
bers of  his  family.  I  got  back  at  him  by  telling  him 
of  the  new  Edison  Disc,  and  I  further  informed  him 
that  I  was  going  to  send  one  of  the  Edison  machines 
right  up  to  his  house  the  very  moment  I  got  back, 
and  leave  it  there  over  Sunday  (or  as  long  as  he 
would  tolerate  it).  His  only  reply  was  that  he 
would  not  be  so  uncivil  as  to  'store  it'  a  few  days 
for  me,  implying  that  he  had  no  intention  of  pur- 
chasing or  even  becoming  seriously  interested  in  it. 
To  make  a  long  story  short  he  promptly  sent  me  his 
check  for  #Z5(J  and  bought  nearly  every  record  I 
had  left  on  trial.  This  retired  business  man  is  past 
seventy  years  of  age  and  wealthy.  His  family  in- 
form me  that  he  never  had  so  much  pleasure  and 
satisfaction  in  anything  he  bought,  even  though  it 
may  have  cost  manv  times  more." 


SALE  No.  6.  "Frequently  an  order  comes  in  as 
a  result  (or  harvesting)  of  seed  sown  in  the  form  of 
Demonstration,  given  six  months  or  even  a  year 
back.  A  good  illustration  of  this  is  a  recent  deliv- 
ery. At  Christmas,  1912,  I  took  an  Edison  Disc 
Phonograph  and  a  few  records  to  the  home  of  a  Fall 
River  business  man.  His  family  were  highly  de- 
lighted with  it,  but  did  not  buy  because  at  that 
time  I  had  so  few  records.  Since  then  they  have 
moved  to  a  town  80  miles  away,  but  remembering 
the  demonstration  and  their  promise,  a  letter  was 
written  to  me  that  I  might  send  a  3150  Disc  phono- 
graph. So  I  packed  the  machine  on  one  of  my 
automobiles  and  motored  to  their  home.  That  sale 
was  consummated  and  I  had  had  a  pleasant  and 
profitable  ride.  What  better  proof  is  needed  that 
demonstrations  pay?" 


THE    EDISON    DISC    ASSISTS    IN 

CONFERRING  MASONIC 

DEGREES 

OVER  eight  hundred  Masons  witnessed  a  novel 
installation  at  the  Masonic  Grand  Lodge 
in  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  recently.  It  was  the 
Annual  Convention  of  that  fraternal  organization 
in  the  Southwest.  An  Edison  Disc  Phonograph  was 
used  in  conferring  one  of  the  principal  degrees  by 
the  Grand  Lodge  Officers  themselves,  and  it  fitted 
beautifully  into  the  ceremony.  So  true  to  life  was 
the  tone  of  the  instrument  that  there  were  some 
people  in  the  room  who  didn't  realize  that  it  was  a 
phonograph,  but  thought  there  was  a  quartet  sing- 
ing the  selections,  which  were  so  beautifully  rendered 
in  one  corner  of  the  Lodge  room. 

The  Masters  in  charge  of  the  work,  were  decided- 
ly pleased,  and  if  one,  at  least  forty  or  fifty  persons 
commented  on  how  beautifully  this  music  fitted 
into  the  work.  Some  went  so  far  as  to  say  that 
the  disc  rendition  was  more  satisfactory  and  pleas- 
ing, by  far,  than  by  any  local  vocal  quartet. 

This  suggests  wonderful  possibilities  for  selling 
the  Edison  Disc  to  Masonic  Lodges  in  all  cities 
and  towns;  incidently  to  other  organizations  as  well. 

Besides  the  Masonic  order,  there  are  the  Knights 
of  Columbus,  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  a  score 


158 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  SEPT,  1914 


of  other  organizations.  One  of  the  greatest  diffi- 
culties in  lodge  work  is  that  of  securing  singers 
when  they  want  them. 

ANOTHER  LODGE 

The  idea  that  occurred  to  me  was  that  Capital 
Lodge  had  solved  one  of  the  greatest  problems  of 
the  floor  work  i.  e.  GOOD  MUSIC.  The  Edison 
Disc  Phonograph  used  that  evening  made  a  lasting 
impression  on  my  mind  and  I  came  home  deter- 
mined that  Waterloo  Lodge  should  benefit  by  what 
I  had  learned.  Accordingly  we  had  an  Edison  in- 
stalled in  the  east.  It  was  a  great  success  from  the 
start  and  you  could  not  remove  that  beautiful  in- 
strument from  our  Lodge-room  now. 

"The  Edison  instrument  fills  a  long  felt  want  in 
our  Lodge  and  I  know  I  voice  the  opinion  of  all 
masters  who  are  anxious  to  put  on  good  work  when 
I  say  that  the  Music  has  been  our  chief  problem. 
Few,  if  any,  of  the  Craft  have  the  ability  and  time 
to  furnish  it  for  the  Lodge  and  when  wanted  are 
generally  absent.  The  Edison  Diamond  Phono- 
graph fills  the  bill  completely  and  in  a  way  that 
only  a  fine  orchestra  and  a  trained  quartet  could. 
Every  Lodge  in  the  State  should  have  one." — M.  C. 
Coburn,   Waterloo  Lodge  No.  105,   Waterloo,  Iowa. 

STILL  ANOTHER 

The  Read-Paiste  Hardware  Co.,  of  Ocean 
City,  N.  J.  advise  us  that  on  August  1st,  the  visitors 
Masonic  Club,  with  a  membership  of  between  five 
and  six  hundred,  visiting  Masons  and  summer 
cottage  owners  of  Ocean  City,  gave  a  house-warm- 
ing, at  which  the  Read-Paiste  Hardware  Co.  gave 
an  Edison  Diamond  Disc  Recital,  both  afternoon  and 
evening,  issuing  a  special  program  for  the  occasion. 

The  Masons  were  so  pleased  with  the  Recital 
that  at  their  request,  another  recital  was  given 
using  sacred  music,  on  Sunday  August  2nd. 

Our  dealers  report  that  during  the  week  ending 
August  1st,  they  sold  approximately  3700.00  worth 
of  Edison  Disc  machines  and  records. 

The  above  dealers  made  application  August  1st, 
and  are  a  good  specimen  of  live  wires. 


JUDGE  HENDERSON  NOW  A  DISC 
ENTHUSIAST 

ONE  of  the  best  sales  ever  made  by  any  Edison 
Disc  dealer  was  effected  recently  by  Lewis  G. 
Du  Vail,  our  representative  in  Meadville,  Pa., 
to  Judge  John  J.  Henderson  of  the  Superior  Court. 
The  Judge  has  listened  a  good  deal  to  musical  in- 
struments. He  has  heard  about  every  make  of 
talking  machine.  In  his  travels  he  has  had  unlim- 
ited opportunity  to  hear  the  Edison  Disc  and  others 
in  New  York,  Philadelphia  and  elsewhere,  and  while 
he  could  have  placed  his  order  for  an  Edison  with 


one  of  the  large  dealers  in  these  cities,  was  loyal  to 
his  own  town  dealer,  to  whose  many  phonograph 
courtesies  he  owed  the  favor  of  such  an  order  if  pos- 
sibe.  The  Judge  gave  such  an  order  to  Mr.  Du- 
Vall,  for  a  3250  Edison  Disc  with  a  good  supply  of 
records.  Mr.  DuVall  deserves  much  credit  for  fin- 
ally landing  the  order. 


DID  YOU  MAKE  USE  OF  THOSE 
INVITATION  LETTERS 
WE  SENT  YOU? 

WE  recently  sent  to  all  Disc  Dealers  a  draft 
of  some  seven  letters  worded  so  as  to  draw 
people  to  hear  the  Disc.     Did  you  make  use 
of  yours?     Here  is  one  who  did;    note  the  result. 

"We  want  to  thank  you  for  the  letters  of  invita- 
tions that  you  sent  us.  They  are  the  best  yet.  We 
have  sent  out  over  thirty-five  of  them  personally  and 
I  have  gotten  good  results  from  several  of  them;  one 
or  two  are  very  good  prospects  that  we  have  never 
been  able  to  get  into  our  store.  They  called  one 
afternoon  and  spent  two  very  delightful  hours  listen- 
ing to  an  Edison  Disc.  There  will  be  a  sale  with 
one  of  them  shortly.  The  prospect  said  the  No.  2 
letter  or  invitation  was  what  got  her  to  come  in,  for 
she  thought  there  must  be  sure  something  to  this 
new  Disc  of  Mr.  Edison's,  else  we  wouldn't  have 
sent  her  invitations  every  week.  She  said  she  was 
glad  she  came  and  heard  for  herself;  and,  further- 
more, she  frankly  admitted  the  Disc  was  the  best 
she  had  ever  heard.  She  is  to  let  me  know  her  de- 
cision within  a  few  days;  but,  if  she  don't  I'll  be 
right  there  after  her." — G.  H.  Spencer  Music  Co., 
Mitchell,  S.  D. 


THE  NEW  EDISON  A  WONDER 

"We  must  say  that  the  New  Edison  is  a  Wonder. 
The  reproduction  of  tone  is  so  life-like  and  true 
there  seems  no  room  for  further  improvement.  It 
is  always  a  pleasure  to  listen  to  this  marvelous  in- 
strument."— A.  E.  Cramer,  Shoe  Merchant,  Sey- 
mour, Iowa. 

"Mrs.  Woodward  bids  me  tell  you  she  is  delighted 
with  her  'Edison.'  It  has  given  her  satisfaction 
beyond  words  to  express  it.  It  is  a  wonderful 
instrument." — M.  R.  Speresley,  Dubuque,  Iowa. 

"In  my  opinion  the  Edison  Disc  Phonograph 
stands  supreme  above  all  other  phongraphs  on  the 
market.     The  first  time  I   heard  the   Edison   was 

when  my  wife  and  I  went  to  purchase  some — 

records.  I  was  enraptured  by  the  glorious  repro- 
duction of  'Beautiful  Isle  of  Somewhere,'  and  the 

never  interested  me  after  that  night.     In  the 

reproduction  of  the  female  voice,  of  the  violin  and 
the  harmonious  blending  of  the  orchestra  instru- 
ments, the  Edison  has  no  competitor.  I  never  cease 
heralding  its  beauties  whenever  I  meet  a  phono- 
graph lover.  Here's  to  Mr.  Edison.  May  he  live 
long  and  continue  his  activities." — U.  A.  Rice,  Jr., 
Des  Moines,  Iowa. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  SEPT.,  1914 


159 


BLAKE  AND  BURKART'S 
ATTRACTIVE   WINDOW   DISPLAY 

IN  the  July  issue  we  showed  an  interior  view 
of  the  new  store  opened  by  Blake  &  Burkart 
at  1100  Walnut  Street,  Philadelphia. 

The  above  picture  shows  the  exterior  view  of  the 
store  and  gives  a  good  idea  of  the  attractive  way  in 
which  this  firm  dresses  their  window. 

The  draperies  used  are  dark  green  to  harmonize 
with  the  interior  decorations.  The  window  has  a 
paneled  back,  finished  in  pure  white  to  offset  the 
bad  effect  of  any  shadow  which  might  otherwise 
blur  the  window  displays.  The  window  is  lighted 
from  above  by  a  ten-foot  lino-light. 

The  hanging  sign  projecting  from  the  angle  of  the 
building  is  mahogany  with  gold  letters  and  shows 
plainly  that  Blake  &  Burkart  are  not  afraid  to  let 
the  public  know  that  they  handle  Edison  goods. 

The  small  signs  in  the  window  are  changed  daily, 
as  this  firm  believes  in  having  something  new  in 
their  window  at  all  times  to  catch  the  eye  of  the 
passer-by.  

THE     GRANDFATHER     MAN     IN 
THE    EDISON    LINE 


w 


HO   is   the  Grandfather  Man   in   our  line? 
He  is  the  man  who  sees  things  the  way  his 
grandfather    saw    them,    and    does     things 
the  way  his  grandfather  did  them,  and  he  thinks 


that's  a  good  enough  way  for  him.  When  we  call 
such  a  man  conservative  we  flatter  him;  he  is  behind 
the  times — 'way  behind. 

Let  us  describe,  not  his  looks — for  he  may  be 
quite  youthful  in  appearance — but  his  ways.  One 
characteristic  is  that  he  is  always  "going  to  do" 
the  thing  he  ought  to  do.  Yes,  he's  going  to  order 
more  stock,  but  not  yet  awhile;  yes,  he's  going  to 
advertise,  but  not  right  away.  He  has  a  mailing- 
list,  but  it  needs  revising  and  he  will  do  that  some- 
time, but  not  this  summer.  His  list  of  records  is 
an  uncertain  quantity  to  him;  he  has  a  system  but 
it's  all  in  his  head,  and  nobody  knows  how  it  works, 
except  that  the  record  that  is  most  wanted  is  never 
in  stock. 

He  seldom  if  ever  attends  conventions  or  rubs 
up  against  other  dealers  or  jobbers.  He  probably 
has  not  yet  been  to  the  Edison  factory,  so  that  he 
has  never  seen  the  home  office. 

In  other  words,  the  Grandfather  Man  is  a  grand- 
father because  in  his  methods  and  in  his  outlook 
he  is  not  ambitious  and  enterprising. 

The  Edison  contract,  which  is  made  with  every 
dealer,  is  so  designed  that  the  Grandfather  sort  of  a 
man  won't  get  into  the  business.  We  expect  every 
dealer  to  carry  a  representative  stock,  and  to  do  a 
certain  amount  of  advertising  and  publicity  work. 
We  believe  no  man  is  a  grandfather  when  he  enters 
the  Edison  fold,  but  we  are  afraid  that  "gray  hairs" 
are  apt  to  come  if  any  dealer  lays  down. 


160 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  SEPT.,  1914 


SUMMER  WORK  WITH  THE 
CHURCHES 

AUGUST,  among  most  churches,  is  a  time  for 
absent  pastors,  absent  choirs  and  absent  musi- 
cal directors.  The  music  particularly  suffers  at 
such  times,  and  this  condition  is  keenly  felt  by  all 
who  attend.  Of  course,  the  pastor,  the  choir  and 
the  musical  director  must  have  a  vacation,  and 
August  is  a  good  time  to  take  it! 

But  August  is  the  phonograph  dealer's  opportun- 
ity to  get  in  some  effective  work  with  the  churches. 
Out  in  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  our  representatives, 
Harger  &  Blish,  are  canvassing  pretty  strenuously 
all  the  churches  to  get  them  to  instal  Edison  Disc 
Phonographs  as  a  part  of  their  equipment.  Almost 
every  Sunday  for  the  past  eight  weeks  they  have 
been  conducting  religious  services  in  different 
churches,  the  Disc  taking  the  place  of  the  choir, 
which  is  generally  off  duty  in  the  summer  months. 
And  they  are  getting  results. 

The  Central  Church  of  Christ  (Christian  Scien- 
tist) was  so  much  pleased  with  the  Edison  Disc 
after  hearing  it  at  one  of  these  special  recitals  that 
they  decided  they  must  own  one.  They  bought  a 
#250  instrument. 

At  Trinity  Methodist  Church,  Des  Moines,  Iowa, 
a  sacred  concert  was  given  upon  the  Edison  Dia- 
mond Disc,  consisting  of  these  nine  selections: 

1.  "Prelude — Evening  Star — Tannhauser"  Wagner 

2.  "Nearer,  My  God,  to  Thee"    Thomas  Chalmers 

3.  "Dreams  of  Galilee"  Elizabeth  Spencer 

John  Young  and  Frederick  Wheeler 

4.  "Offertory" — Traumerei 

5.  "Rescue  the  Perishing" 

John  Young  and  Frederick  Wheeler 

6.  "Crucifix"     John  Young  and  Frederick  Wheeler 

7.  "Home,  Sweet  Home"       Edison  Mixed  Quartet 

8.  "The  Rosary"  Christine  Miller 

9.  "Sweet  Bye  and  Bye"  Thomas  Chalmers 

At  this  service  the  program  was  printed  and  a  line 
at  the  bottom  read: 
"Edison   Diamond   Disc    ani    Records,    supplied 
through  the  courtesy  of  Harger  £s?  Blish" 
At  the  close  of  this  service  about  twenty  persons 
remained  to  hear  more  Edison  Disc  selections    as 
well  as  to  have  played  any  numbers  they  did  not 
hear  at  the  regular  service,  because  of  arriving  late. 
It  was  a  common  remark  at  this  time  that  every 
note  could  be  distinctly  heard  even  at  the  farthest 
distance  from  the  Edison  instrument. 

This  church  is  now  seriously  considering  owning  an 
Edison  Diamond  Disc,  and  the  order  is  a  matter  of 
a  few  more  interviews  by  those  who  have  the 
authority  to  order  it. 

Trinity  Methodist  Church  is  the  largest  congre- 
gation in  the  City  of  Des  Moines.  It  has  a  Sunday 
School  of  over  1,000  enrollment.  The  pastor  was  so 
pleased  that  he  has  requested  the  Disc  music 
repeated  on   a  later  date  with  more  new  selections. 


It  is  a  simple  matter  to  circularize  every  pastor 
in  a  city  and  we  believe  it  would  result  in  consider- 
able business.  There  is  nothing  like  trying  it  in 
your  own  locality;  if  it  works  in  Iowa,  as  it  cer- 
tainly has  from  the  above  accounts,  it  will  work  in 
your  city. 

This  work  with  the  churches  is  now  being  ex- 
tended with  even  more  success  to  the  Sunday 
Schools.  The  scholars  are  being  taught  not  only 
to  sing  to  Disc  music,  but  to  listen  to  selections 
both  instrumental  and  vocal. 

There  is  a  wide  field  of  timely  help  in  all  this 
work.  The  Edison  disc  will  fill  the  need  in  churches 
for  summer  music,  and  will  prove  at  all  times  of  the 
year  a  most  efficient  aid  in  meetings  of  a  religious 
and  semi-religious  order. 


SENATOR     MARTINE      OF     NEW 

JERSEY    ALSO    AN    EDISON 

DISC  ENTHUSIAST 

SENATOR  MARTINE  certainly  knows  a  good 
thing  when  he  hears  it  played.  It  took  just 
about  five  minutes  to  make  the  Senator  a 
convert  to  the  Edison  Disc  music  and  to  secure  his 
check  for  a  3250  instrument.  The  happy  salesman 
who  interviewed  the  Senator  said  he  never  secured 
an  order  so  quickly.  Just  one  selection  was  played, 
and  the  Senator  was  enthusiastic  and  wrote  his 
check  at  once.  He  bought  it  "on  sight."  The 
McKee  Instrument  Co.  of  Washington,  D.  C,  put 
through  the  deal  and  now  they  have  the  Senator 
as  a  regular  customer  for  Edison  Disc  records. 

Some  other  sales  to  Congressmen  will  be  reported 
shortly  by  this  enterprising  Washington  concern, 
which  only  recently  took  up  the  Edison  Disc. 


M.    C.    WENTWORTH    OF     NEW 

HAMPSHIRE  ENJOYS    HIS 

EDISON  DISC 

"  T  HAVE  been  so  greatly  pleased  with  our  Edison 
X  Diamond  Disc  Phonograph  that  I  wish  to 
write  you  a  few  words  concerning  our  experi- 
ence with  it.  It  is,  of  course,  the  finest  thing  of  the 
kind  in  the  world.  There  is  no  question  about  that, 
and  my  family,  friends  and  guests  are  entertained 
by  it  in  a  most  charming  manner.  I  do  not  see  how 
we  could  get  on  without  it  now,  it  is  so  important 
to  our  happiness.  I  cannot  speak  too  highly  of  it, 
and  as  a  means  of  entertainment  I  know  of  nothing 
so  perfectly  splendid.  I  am  very  glad  to  say  this 
in  favor  of  your  wonderful  Edison  Diamond  Disc 
Phonograph." — M.  C.  Wentworth,  Wentworth  Hall 
and  Cottages,  Jackson,  White  Mountains,  N.  H. 

TONE  BEYOND  CRITICISM 

"It  is  with  pleasure  I  can  say  that  the  Edison 
Disc  is  all  that  is  claimed  for  it." — H.  C.  Hull, 
Oskaloosa,  Iowa. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  SEPT.,  1914 


161 


THE  STILLER  PHOTO  SUPPLY  CO., 
GREEN  BAY,  WISC. 

Perhaps  next  to  Milwaukee,  Green  Bay,  claims 
the  most  varied  and  extensive  stock  of  Edison 
Phonographs  in  the  whole  state,  and  to  the  Stiller 
Photo  Supply  Co.  belongs  this  distinction.  Modern 
facilities  are  in  use  throughout  their  store  and  as  both 
cylinder  and  disc  Edisons  are  displayed,  the  trade 
is  very  brisk  and  satisfactory.  The  able  salesforce 
is  simply  backed  by  some  clever  effective  local 
advertising.  They  have  done  some  effective  can- 
vassing also,  particularly  among  the  clubs  and 
lodges. 

EDISON    CABINETS    WELL  MADE 

TO  STAND  SUCH  TESTS 

AS  THESE 

OUR  representative,  Robert  C.  Peak 
writes: — "My  train  from  Boston  to 
Burlington  Sunday  night  went  into  the 
ditch  at  Randolph,  Vt.,  and  delayed  me  all  day 
Monday.  My  sleeper  stayed  on  the  rail,  so  all 
I  got  was  a  scare  and  a  chance  to  see  some  excite- 
ment. My  A250  machine  was  in  the  express  car 
which  went  end  over  end  into  the  White  River, 
thirty  feet  below.  This  machine  was  delivered 
to  me  next  day  in  perfect  condition.  The  travel- 
ing case  got  some  knocks  but  the  machine  itself 
was  unhurt.  How  is  that  for  careful  packing? 
I  think  this  speaks  well  for  both  motor  and  cabi- 
net." 


The  Texas-Oklahoma  Phonograph  Co.,  Inc., 
Fort  Worth,  Texas,  write  us: — "In  compliment  to 
the  rigidity  and  strength  of  the  Edison  cabinet, 
we  would  like  to  offer  the  following:  A  transfer 
company  of  this  city  were  transporting  a  Model 
A250  from  a  dealer's  place  of  business  to  a  cus- 
tomer's home,  when  a  runaway  coming  down  a 
cross  street,  collided  with  the  transfer  company's 
vehicle,  and  the  Edison  instrument  was  thrown 
therefrom,  alighting  squarely  on  its  top  and 
bouncing  from  that  position  to  the  back,  it  is 
remarkable  that  but  slight  damage  was  done, 
the  corners  of  the  top  or  lid  to  the  instrument 
were  spread  and  one  perpendicular  seam 
in  the  back  was  also  spread  a  matter  of  a 
half  inch,  which  constituted  practically  the  entire 
damage.  This  accident  occurred  on  a  paved 
street.  The  motor  of  the  instrument  was  thrown 
quite  some  distance  into  the  street  from  its 
natural  position  in  the  instrument,  and  was  not 
damaged  in  the  least,  as  a  matter  of  fact  the 
motor  was  quietly  running  when  picked  up.  It 
has  been  decided  that  the  necessary  repairs 
could  be  accomplished  by  a  cabinetmaker  in 
this  town,  and  we  do  not  believe  that  it  will  be 
necessary  to  secure  a  new  cabinet  as  at  first 
was  thought  desirable." 


Says  a  merchant  of  wide  experience:  The  suc- 
cessful selling  forces  of  to-day  are  made  up  of 
men  who  can  think  and  who  do  think,  and  men 
who  can  be  relied  upon  to  do  the  right  things  at 
the  right  time;  men  who  are  always  capable  of 
taking  advantage  of   an}'   situation  that  may  arise. 


162 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  SEPT.,  1914 


Boston  Store  Front  of  Pardee-Ellenberger  Co.,  Inc. 


New  Boston  Office 


Pardee-Ellenberger  Co.,  Inc. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  SEPT.,  1914 


163 


THE  NEW  BOSTON  OFFICE  OF 
PARDEE-ELLENBERGER  CO. 

ON  June  1st  The  Pardee-Ellenberger  Co.  moved 
into  their  new  quarters  at  26  Oliver  Street, 
Boston.  This  is  but  a  short  distance  from  the 
oid  store  at  66  Batterymarch  Street,  and  embodies 
all  the  advantages  of  the  old  location  as  to  con- 
venience as  a  shipping  point,  but  is  many  times 
larger  and  much  better  adapted  in  every  way  for 
conducting  their  business,  which  has  greatly  in- 
creased since  their  Boston  office  was  opened  three 
years  ago. 

The  casual  observer  is  impressed  by  the  spacious- 
ness of  the  place  and  the  facilities,  both  in  the  office 
and  the  showroom,  for  handling  a  large  amount  of 
business  under  the  best  conditions,  and  particularly 
by  a  refinement  of  detail  in  the  decorations  and  fur- 
nishings. The  office  and  show-room,  as  well  as  the 
show  windows,  are  finished  in  Circassian  walnut, 
very  handsomely  panelled,  and  the  rugs  and  drap- 
eries in  a  color  scheme  to  harmonize  with  the  wood, 
add  to  the  effect.  The  clerical  office,  with  entire 
new  desks  and  equipment,  occupy  a  large  part  of  the 
Oliver  Street  front  and  adjoining  is  Mr.  Silliman's 
private  office.  Directly  in  the  rear  is  a  large  demon- 
stration room  in  which  all  types  of  Edison  machines 
are  shown.  This  room  is  furnished  in  a  simple  but 
rich  manner  and  the  easy  chairs  and  lighting,  which 
is  of  the  indirect  type,  give  it  a  most  attractive 
appearance.  Leading  from  this  is  the  salesmen's 
office,  furnished  along  the  same  lines. 

The  entire  rear  of  the  building  is  utilized  for  stock 
room  and  shipping  purposes.  Several  rear  entrances 
facilitate  the  handling  of  goods  under  the  best  pos- 
sible conditions.  In  the  extreme  rear  is  the  office  of 
the  shipping  clerk  and  also  a  good  sized  repair  shop, 
fully  equipped  to  meet  all  emergencies.  The  base- 
ment is  of  large  dimensions  and  capable  of  holding 
hundreds  of  machines  of  the  larger  type. 

With  this  equipment,  together  with  the  Com- 
pany's large  building  in  New  Haven,  they  have 
ample  facilities  for  handling  almost  any  amount  of 
business,  and  they  are  in  a  better  position  than  ever 
to  meet  the  requirements  of  their  growing  trade 
which  now  covers  entire  New  England. 


THE  PHONOGRAPH  RANKS  SIXTH 

THE  Scientific  American  last  July  offered  sub- 
stantial prizes  for  the  best  essays  on  "What 
are  the  Greatest  Ten  Inventions  of  the  Past 
Twenty-five  Years?"  They  were  flooded  with 
MSS.  "Wireless  Telegraph,"  by  vote  received 
97%;  Aeroplanes  75%,  X-Ray  Machines  74%, 
Automobiles  66%,  Motion  Pictures  63%,  the 
Phonograph  37%.  Other  inventions  were  all  under 
37%.  This  makes  the  Phonograph  sixth  on  the 
list  of  great  inventions,  according  to  this  method. 


MARY  CARSON 

Soprano 

MISS  CARSON  was  born  in  Houston,  Texas, 
and  made  her  first  public  performance  as  a 
song-bird  when  but  six  years  of  age.  She 
has  been  singing  ever  since,  though  her  serious 
operatic  work  has  been  accomplished  only  in  the 
last  few  years  after  a  vigorous  course  of  study  under 
some  of  Italy's  greatest  masters.  Her  professional 
debut  was  made  in  Italy  in  the  opera  "La  Son- 
nambula,"  in  which  she  appeared  as  Amina.  The 
Italian  papers  with  one  accord  proclaimed  her  fas- 
cinating and  highly  artistic  in  her  every  endeavor, 
and  the  public  greeted  her  performance  with  tre- 
mendous applause.  Her  extensive  repertoire  con- 
sists of  about  twenty-five  operas  in  Italian,  French 
and  German,  together  with  almost  innumerable 
English  songs. 

Miss  Carson  has  participated  in  many  notable 
musical  events,  but  perhaps  one  of  her  greatest 
achievements  was  the  singing  of  "Barbiere  di 
Siviglia"  twice  in  one  day  and  again  on  the  follow- 
ing night — a  feat  which  the  average  opera  singer 
would  scarcely  dare  attempt. 

Those  who  were  fortunate  enough  to  hear  her 
first  Edison  Record — "O  Dry  Those  Tears"  (No. 
1593)  will  realize  that  the  young  soprano  possesses 
much  more  than  a  wonderfully  sweet  voice,  and  that 
she  is  capable  of  deep  emotional  expression. 

Upon  the  occasion  of  one  of  her  American  recitals 
the  press  had  this  to  say: 

"Mary  Carson  is  superb,  and  no  one  who  heard 
her  in  her  recent  debut  can  justly  deny  her  rank 
among  the  famous  singers  of  the  day.  A  bril- 
liant career  will  be  hers,  for  the  gifts  of  the  gods  have 
been  showered  upon  her  in  generosity.  Artistic, 
dramatic,  temperamentally  gifted  to  the  highest  de- 
gree, she  sways  her  listeners  at  will.  With  an  intel- 
lectual development  of  the  greatest  capacity  she 
interprets,  losing  no  opportunity  of  technical  import 
to  secure  the  very  finest  effects.  While  listening  to 
her  there  is  but  one  thought — that  of  the  absolute 
delight  she  gives  through  the  sweet  sounds,  which 
were  as  free  and  unconstrained  as  from  a  bird.  But 
when  one  recalls  the  experience  from  a  critical  view- 
point the  foremost  thought  is  of  the  marked  intelli- 
gence and  judgment  displayed  by  the  singer.  Naive, 
graceful,  with  the  charming  simplicity  of  a  child,  she 
seems  like  a  fragile  bit  of  exquisite,  rare  china,  or 
perhaps  even  more  like  a  lovely  flower;  but  as  she 
sings  the  glorious  womanhood  finds  expression.  The 
years  of  patient,  faithful  determination  to  develop 
to  the  fullest  the  gifts  God  has  placed  at  her  disposal 
seems  to  have  come  to  the  fullest  fruition,  for  she 
has  even  yet  in  her  youth  more  than  realized  the 
outcome  of  the  unyielding  ambition  which  has  ever 
been  hers  and  has  justified  the  faith  of  the  hundreds 


164 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  SEPT,  1914 


of  friends  who  have  believed  that  a  world-wide  fame 
would  crown  her  efforts. " 

In  speaking  of  how  it  feels  to  sing  to  children,  Miss 
Carson  said:  "I  find  that  all  'kiddies'  who  are 
brought  to  hear  Grand  Opera  by  their  parents  love 
to  hear  the  story  first.  They  seem  to  be  more  thor- 
ough in  what  they  want  in  the  way  of  enjoyment 
than  'grown-ups.'  They  do  not  seem  to  be  particu- 
larly interested  whether  your  singing  is  that  of  an 
angel  or  not.  I  am  speaking,  of  course,  only  of  the 
child  under  ten  years  of  age.  I  have  always  envied 
the  European  children,  their  delight  in  going  to  hear 
Grand  Opera.  It  is  part  of  the  family  training  in 
Europe,  and  it  is  surprising  to  the  American  when 
in  various  European  countries  to  hear  the  little  chil- 
dren singing  arias  from  operas  with  the  same  ease 
that  you  hear  American  children  whistling  or  singing 
ragtime.  This  is  of  great  assistance  to  the  child  who 
may  later  develop  her  voice,  because  he  or  she  has 
become  so  thoroughly  satiated  with  the  great  arias 
of  operas  that  when  they  come  to  study  them  it  is 
like  acquiring  a  dormant  second  nature.  I  think  it 
would  be  ideal  if  the  American  parents,  now  that 
Popular  Grand  Opera  in  English  seems  to  have  be- 
come an  institution  within  the  reach  of  all,  would 
take  their  children  to  hear  and  see  the  productions 
of  the  masters,  thereby  making  it  part  of  their 
education. 

MISS  CARSON'S  BLUE  AMBEROL  RECORDS 

1751     La  Paloma  (The  Dove),  Yradier 
2181     Love  is  a  Story  That's  Old  ,   Herbert 
1593     O  Dry  Those  Tears.  Del  Reigo 

MISS  CARSON'S  EDISON  DISC  RECORDS 

80132     I'll  Change  the  Shadows  to  Sunshine,  Ball 
Duet  with  Emory  B.  Randolph 
Reverse:  Sing  Me  the  Rosary,  Klickman 
82052     Villanelle— Oft  Have  I  Seen  the  Swift  Swal- 
lows,   Ac  qua 
Reverse:  Manola — La  Veritable  Manola, 
Bourgeois 

Those  who  have  not  yet  heard  Miss  Carson's 
records  have  a  fine  treat  in  store,  and  we  believe, 
once  they  are  heard,  will  prove  treasures  in  a 
musical  repertoire. 


A   REPORT   OF   NORTH   LONDON 

ENGLAND  PHONOGRAPH  AND 

GRAMOPHONE  SOCIETY 

MR.  Henry  Seymour,  President,  occupied  the 
chair,  and  in  a  few  well-chosen  phrases 
introduced  the  lecturer,  John  Lewis  Young, 
B.  Sc,  of  the  Institute  of  Technical  Engineers,  as 
one  of  the  oldest  workers  in  this  branch  of  acousti- 
cal research  in  England,  and  one  who  had  been  inti- 
mately   associated    with    Mr.    Thomas    A.    Edison 


from  the  pioneer  days  of  the  phonograph.  He  said: 
"Doubtless  Edison,  on  his  own  account,  was  the 
first  to  make  a  practical  phonograph.  He  began 
by  making  a  machine  with  a  revolving  cylinder, 
having  a  transverse  movement,  upon  which  was 
fastened  a  sheet  or  roll  of  tinfoil.  Then  with  a  steel 
point  affixed  to  a  vibrating  diaphragm  he  indented 
in  the  foil  the  undulations  or  motions  which  were 
given  by  the  diaphragm  when  sounds  were  impelled 
against  the  reverse  side  of  it.  He  then  found  that 
by  traversing  this  self-same  point  over  the  record 
so  made,  at  the  same  rate  of  speed,  the  same  dia- 
phragm, actuated  by  the  point,  gave  back  the  same 
sounds;  but,  of  course,  with  feebler  intensity.  This 
was  the  actual  beginning  of  the  talking  machine 
of  to-day,  and  the  model  of  this  early  machine  made 
by  Edison  was  presented  to  the  South  Kensington 
Museum  by  himself  and  Colonel  Gourand  on  be- 
half of  Mr.  Edison  many  years  ago.  The  use  of  the 
talking  machine  for  entertainment  purposes  was 
never  thought  of  at  the  outset.  It  was  designed  as 
a  mechanical  stenographer  for  office  use.  Various 
pictures  were  shown  of  editors  dictating  "copy"  on 
the  record  cylinder.  Wax  cylinders  had  then  been 
introduced,  and  were  a  great  improvement  on  tin- 
foil. Other  views,  representing  compositors  setting 
type  from  the  records,  and  how  these  records  could 
be  reproduced  as  slowly  as  necessary.  Improvised 
pianoforte  and  organ  compositions  were  similarly 
recorded  on  these  cylinders.  Several  interesting 
views  of  the  Edison  works,  with  Edison  in  his 
laboratory,  were  shown,  also  the  huge  library  which 
Edison  has  at  his  command.  Edison  had  invented  a 
great  number  of  epoch-making  things — the  electric 
light  was  one  of  the  most  important — and  his 
ingenious  improvements  in  the  telephone  and  mi- 
crophone were  remarkable  evidences  of  his  creative 
spirit.  He  likened  him  to  the  great  Napoleon,  with 
this  difference,  that  Napoleon  concentrated  all  his 
energies  upon  destruction,  whereas  Edison  centered 
his  on  construction.  His  latest  battery  was  an 
accomplished  fact  which  would  soon  revolutionize 
motor  vehicles.  His  real  hobby  was  the  phonograph, 
as  he  always  found  time  in  the  midst  of  his  other 
occupations  to  make  experiments  with  a  view  to 
bringing  it  nearer  to  nature.  In  this  respect  his 
latest  disc  record  was  really  a  masterpiece  of  detail, 
and  he  doubted  not  that  when  it  came  to  be  market- 
ed in  England  it  would  disturb  the  existing  order  of 
things  and  'catch  on.' 

The  Chairman  announced  that  the  next  meeting, 
on  July  11,  at  Highbury  Hall,  would  be  devoted  to 
a  demonstration  of  a  considerable  number  of  se- 
lected Edison  discs,  which  the  society  were  getting 
over  from  America,  and  as  these  records  would  not 
be  available  to  the  general  public  before  next  sea- 
son at  the  earliest,  he  hoped  members  would  embrace 
the  opportunity  of  hearing  them  in  advance." 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  SEPT.,  1914  165 


SAFEGUARDING  DEFERRED  PAY- 
MENT CONTRACTS 

THE  attention  of  the  Chicago  Association  of 
Credit  Men  has  been  called  to  the  necessity  of 
some  legal  action  to  safeguard  merchandise 
sold  on  deferred  payment  contracts.  The  party 
pushing  the  move  is  the  Moneyweight  Scale  Co. 
It  sells  its  scales  on  deferred  monthly  payments  and 
finds  that  the  only  protection  it  has  against  the 
attaching  creditor  or  a  court  action  is  the  filing  of 
a  chattel  mortgage.  Of  course,  when  a  chattel 
mortgage  is  given  it  must  be  the  owner  of  the 
article,  so  that  it  becomes  necessary,  to  have  com- 
plete protection,  to  pass  the  ownership  with  the 
first  payment  and  then  take  back  a  chattel  mort- 
gage for  the  deferred  payments.  The  making  and 
recording  of  the  mortgage  is  expensive,  unnecessar- 
ily so,  the  makers  of  the  scale  contend.  They 
believe  that  the  same  end  would  be  attained  and 
even  greater  security  afforded  the  seller  if  a  law 
were  placed  on  the  statute  books  by  which  the 
contract  of  sale  could  be  made  a  matter  of  record. 

This  matter  is  one  that  deeply  interests  the  music 
trade  of  Illinois,  where  a  majority  of  the  instru- 
ments are  sold  on  contracts  of  sale  providing  for 
payments  extending  through  a  term  of  many 
months,  during  which  almost  anything  is  likely  to 
happen.  The  piano  dealers  have  tried  to  secure 
such  a  law  several  times,  and  have  also  tried  to 
secure  a  modification  of  the  chattel  mortgage  act 
which  would  permit  of  their  being  acknowledged 
before  a  notary  instead  of  going  before  the  munici- 
pal court.     In  both  cases  the  attempt  was  futile. 

A  law  similar  to  that  asked  for  in  Illinois  is  in 
force  in  New  York  State,  and  there  seems  no  good 
reason  why  the  same  rule  should  not  prevail  in  this 
State.  As  it  is,  the  seller  of  a  piano  or  talking 
machine,  unless  he  goes  to  the  trouble  and  expense 
of  taking  a  chattel  mortgage  and  recording  it,  is  at 
the  mercy  of  an  insolvent  buyer.  The  bankruptcy 
courts  positively  refuse  to  recognize  these  sales,  and 
the  contract  has  been  declared  of  no  effect  as  against 
an  innocent  purchaser  of  the  instrument  so  that 
some  such  action  as  urged  by  the  Moneyweight 
Scale  Co.  would  be  very  welcome;  and  now  that  the 
music  dealers  are  reinforced  by  lines  other  than  their 
own  they  may  be  able  to  secure  some  action.  The 
Credit  Men's  Association  has  the  matter  before  the 
legislative  committee,  of  which  Mr.  Whitlock,  of 
Belding  Bros.  Co.,  is  the  chairman. 

At  the  W.  W.  Kimball  Co.  Mr.  Blanchard  said: 
"You  can  put  this  company  down  as  heartily  in 
favor  of  any  legitimate  effort  to  accomplish  the 
above  reform  in  relation  to  the  recording  of  con- 
tracts of  sale.  I,  personally,  worked  for  this  object 
in  previous  attempts  and  am  aware  of  the  obstacles 
that  the  measure  had  to  pass  in  the  Legislature. 
—  Talking  Machine  World. 


BUYING  A  RECORD 

HE  rushed  into  the  talking  machine  depart- 
ment of  the  store  about  5  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  and  said  to  the  young  woman  in 
charge: 

"My  wife  told  me  to  run  in  here  and  get  a  12-inch 
record  of — let  me  see;  oh,  what  is  it?  Well,  I  can't 
remember  it.  I've  got  it  written  down  somewhere. 
Just  let  me  find  it." 

But  a  five-minute  search  through  his  multitudin- 
ous pockets  failed  to  find  a  trace  of  his  memoran- 
dum, and  he  was  much  perturbed. 

"She's  got  to  have  it  to-night,  too,"  he  continued. 
"Lot  of  people  coming  to  spend  the  evening.  Very 
musical,  too.     They'll  all  want  to  hear  this." 

"Is  it  a  song  or  an  instrumental  number?"  help- 
fully asked  the  young  woman. 

"Blamed  if  I  can  tell  you,"  rasped  the  customer, 
"and  I've  only  ten  minutes  to  get  my  car,  too. 
Have  to  wait  twenty  minutes  if  I  miss  that  one. 
Let's  see.  As  near  as  I  can  remember  it's  some- 
thing about  pegs.  I  think  I'd  know  it  if  I  heard  it. 
Pegs,  I  think  it  is.  Yes,  pegs.  What  have  you  got 
got  in  fresh  pegs,  I  mean  just  pegs?" 

The  nonplussed  saleswoman  thought  a  moment 
and  suggested  "Peg  o'  My  Heart." 

"No,  that  isn't  it,"  fumed  the  little  man,  "nothin' 
as  sensible  as  that.     I'd  'a'  remembered  that." 

"Well,  perhaps  it's  a  violin  solo  of  Paganini's." 

"Nope.  You're  nearer,  though.  It's  about  as 
crazy  as  that.     Try  again." 

"Well,  we  have  a  comic  number  called  'Peg 
Along';   could  that  be  it?" 

"Oh,  no,  no,  no!  That  isn't  it.  It's  something 
highfalutin." 

"Well,  it  may  not  be  peg  at  all.  Might  it  not 
be  nail,  tack,  screw  or  tie?     How  about  'Thais'?" 

"Nothin'  doin'.  It's  peg,  as  near  as  I  could  get 
it  on  the  paper  wife  wrote  out  for  me." 

After  another  five  minutes  had  been  wasted  the 
young  woman  had  an  inspiration.  She  handed  him 
a  catalog  and  said: 

"Suppose  you  look  over  this;    you  may  see  it." 

He  grabbed  it  out  of  her  extended  hand,  clapped 
a  pair  of  eyeglasses  upon  his  eyes,  opened  his  mouth 
and  was  soon  going  down  the  list  with  an  index 
finger.  In  a  minute  more  he  was  pointing  to  the 
Prologue  from  "Pagliacci,"  as  sung  by  Thomas 
Chalmers  (Blue  Amberol  Record  28174),  and 
exclaiming: 

"Here  it  is!  Here  it  is!  Didn't  I  tell  you  it 
looked  something  like  peg?  Get  me  one  and  wrap 
it  up,  quick.  How  much?  Here  you  are,  even 
change.  Now  give  it  to  me  and  let  me  run.  I'll 
make  that  car  yet.  And  next  time  wife  wants 
some  of  that  dago  canned  stuff  she  can  set  it  her- 
self!"—  The  Sun. 


166 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  SEPT.,  1914 


A    SATISFIED    CUSTOMER    A 
VALUABLE  ASSET 

IN  the  hurry  to  attend  to  many  customers  it  is 
sometimes  a  little  annoying  to  a  dealer  to  meet 
one  who  is  exceedingly  particular  about  details. 
He  is  apt  to  style  such  a  one  "fussy"  or  "cranky." 
Yet  that  very  customer,  fully  satisfied,  may,  and 
probably  will,  prove  a  more  valuable  asset  than  one 
who  is  not  disposed  to  be  particular.  The  shrewd 
business  man  is  he  who  can  handle  each  customer, 
whatever  his  or  her  peculiarities,  with  the  utmost 
ease,  deliberation  and  respect.  A  little  study  of 
human  nature  will  show  that  the  "fussy"  individual 
is  usually  the  most  talkative  one  when  fully  satisfied, 
and  that  talk  is  more  than  likely  to  be  in  praise  of 
the  House  that  gave  her  most  careful  consideration. 

One  very  prosperous  business  man  in  New  York 
instructed  all  his  clerks  to  call  him  whenever  they 
got  a  hold  of  a  "fussy"  individual.  No  matter  how 
busy  he  was,  he  kept  himself  open  to  wait  on  the 
"particular"  customer,  and  so  skilfully  did  he  handle 
them  and  eventually  turn  them,  one  by  one,  over  to 
"Mr.  Smith"  or  some  other  patient  salesman  (who 
realized  the  difficult  yet  responsible  task  of  being 
very  considerate),  that  his  House  grew  to  large  pro- 
portions because  of  the  entire  satisfaction  everyone 
received  who  dealt  with  it. 

One  of  the  great  steamship  lines  plying  between 
New  York  and  Liverpool,  has  issued  a  series  of 
printed  instructions  to  all  its  employees  aboard 
ship,  and  the  dominant  note  is  summed  up  in  these 
significant  words,    "The   patron   pays   your  salary 

and  mine;  there  could  be  no steamship  line 

without  patrons;  therefore,  it  behooves  every  em- 
ployee from  the  lowest  to  the  highest,  to  treat  every 
patron  with  the  utmost  respect  and  attention  and 
never  enter  into  any  dispute;  if  a  difference  arises, 
immediately  seek  a  superior  officer  and  introduce 
the  patron  to  him  and  let  no  word  or  look  show  any- 
thing but  courtesy  and  respect." 

In  the  phonograph  line,  it  is  equally  true  that  a 
satisfied  patron  is  a  valuable  asset.  It  pays  to  satisfy 
every  customer;  if  you  have  sold  an  Edison  machine, 
follow  it  up  and  see  that  it  is  giving  satisfaction;  if 
you  get  a  hurry-up  request  by  telephone  or  other- 
wise, be  sure  to  follow  it  up  yourself  later  in  the  day 
and  see  that  it  has  been  filled.  If  the  party  has 
a  telephone,  call  her  (or  him)  on  'phone  and  see 
that  satisfactory  service  has  been  given.  If  certain 
Records  are  wanted  on  a  particular  day  or  hour, 
follow  them  up  and  see  that  there  is  no  slip-up  in 
the  service.  Particular  requests  should  never  be 
lost  sight  of  till  satisfaction  is  guaranteed  and  carried 
out  to  the  letter. 

Sometimes  it  seems  as  if  these  little  matters  were 
not  worth  the  care  and  attention  of  those  who 
occupy  responsible  positions  in  a  House,  particu- 
larly, when  the  busy  season  is  on.     But,  that's  a 


mistake;  they  are  highly  important,  a  personal 
touch,  a  personal  message  from  some  one  responsible 
in  the  House,  makes  a  customer  satisfied.  It  creates 
a  confidence  in  the  House  that  nothing  else  can  do. 

Another  feature  that  a  satisfied  customer  ap- 
preciates is  to  have  some  forethought  given  his  or 
her  needs.  If  you  know  of  some  reason  why  a  cer- 
tain Record  will  be  acceptable  on  a  specified  occa- 
sion, let  your  forethought  be  brought  to  the  patron's 
attention  and  ask  if  it  may  not  be  included  in  the 
order,  or  sent  by  special  order.    • 

There  are  a  hundred  and  one  ways  of  studying 
how  to  make  satisfied  customers  and  it  is  just  as 
profitable  as  to  study  how  to  keep  a  good  balance 
in  the  bank. 

ENTHUSIASM 

NO  one  factor  in  the  retail  sales  domain  is  of 
more  importance  than  enthusiasm.  A  sales- 
man may  possess  honesty,  wealth,  ability 
and  initiative,  knowledge  of  the  business,  tact, 
sincerity,  industry,  and  open  mindedness — in  fact, 
all  the  virtues,  but  without  enthunam  he  would 
be  a  statue. 

Contrast  the  enthusiastic,  magnetic  man  with 
the  one  of  every  day  attributes,  and  you  will  know 
the  reason  why  one  succeeds  and  the  other  drags 
along.  Hugh  Chalmers  recently  put  this  very 
clearly  when  he  emphasized  that  enthusiasm  is  the 
white  heat  that  fuses  all  the  qualities  above  referred 
to  into  one  effective  mass.  He  thus  illustrated  his 
point:  "I  can  take  a  sapphire  and  a  piece  of  plain 
blue  glass,  and  I  can  rub  the  plain  glass  until  it  has 
a  surface  as  hard  as  the  sapphire.  But  when  I  put 
the  two  together  and  look  down  at  them,  I  find  that 
the  sapphire  has  a  thousand  little  lights  glittering 
out  of  it  that  you  cannot  get  out  of  the  blue  glass  if 
you  rub  it  a  thousand  years.  What  those  little 
lights  are  to  the  sapphire,  enthusiasm  is  to  the  man." 

The  man  who  works  merely  for  his  salary  with- 
out interest  or  enthusiasm  in  his  business  is  not  a 
great  producer,  nor  is  he  a  great  success.  For  the 
man  who  doesn't  get  some  comfort  and  enthusiasm 
out  of  his  daily  work  is  in  a  bad  way. 

Some  men  are  almost  irresistible,  and  it  is  be- 
cause enthusiasm  radiates  through  their  expression, 
beams  from  their  eyes,  and  is  evident  in  their  ac- 
tions. In  brief,  enthusiasm  is  one  of  the  great 
assets  of  value  to  a  man,  no  matter  what  his  mis- 
sion in  life  may  be. 

In  salesmanship  enthusiasm  is  of  primary  im- 
portance, and  in  no  business  is  it  more  essential 
than  in  selling  talking  machines.  The  man  who  can 
convert  the  prospective  purchaser  of  a  low-priced 
machine  into  buying  the  highest  priced  machine 
is  the  fellow  who  employs  well  considered  argu- 
ments, backed  by  enthusiasm  and  conviction.— 
Talking  Machine  World. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  SEPT.,  1914 


167 


THE    IMMACULATE    SHOP    AS    A 
TRADE  BOOSTER 

I  DO  not  mean  to  insinuate,  Mr.  Talker  Man, 
that  you  are  not  careful  as  to  the  general  appear- 
ance of  your  place  of  business;  I  am  very  sure 
you  are.  The  point  is  this:  Are  you  careful  to  the 
point  of  being  what  your  employes  may  term  finical? 
If  not,  I  would  suggest  that  you  acquire  the  habit  at 
once,  for  by  so  doing  you  will  attract  a  class  of  trade 
which  now  passes  you  by  on  its  way  to  the  immacu- 
late shop  up  the  avenue. 

The  immaculate  shop  makes  a  specialty  of  clean- 
liness. From  its  show  window  to  the  most  incon- 
spicuous corner  of  its  record  racks  you  may  search 
all  day,  if  you  like,  and  no  fleck  of  dust  or  plague- 
spreading  fly  will  reward  your  efforts.  This  place 
is  clean! 

The  word  '"record"  brings  to  mind  an  experience 
of  the  writer  along  the  proper  channels  for  narration 
at  this  time,  so  please  bear  with  him  as  kindly  as 
you  can.  He  had  occasion  once,  during  his  brief 
career  as  a  talking  machine  salesman,  to  purchase 
fifty  records  for  a  finical  woman.  Her  house,  I  will 
have  you  know,  was  famous  for  its  antagonism 
toward  dirt.  The  most  bescrubbed  cottage  in  Spot- 
lesstown  had  nothing  on  her  abode,  I  assure  you. 

Well,  to  resume,  he  bought  the  records  for  her  at 
a  long-established  and  highly  successful  talking 
machine  store  in  his  home  town,  never  glimpsing  the 
storm  clouds  lifting  themselves  above  his  trade  hori- 
zon. He  delivered  the  order  in  due  course,  and  was 
very  much  surprised  to  find  in  his  morning  mail  a 
few  days  afterward,  instead  of  the  check  he  expected, 
a  letter  from  Mrs.  S.  asking  him  to  call  and  get  his 
goods.  Upon  his  arrival  at  her  home,  she  informed 
him  in  very  strenuous  terms  that  she  would  not 
accept  the  filthy  things,  and,  with  more  force  than 
diplomacy,  accused  him  of  selling  her  a  second-hand 
product.  This  accusation  naturally  made  the  writer 
rather  sore,  for  he  had  spent  the  greater  part  of  a 
day  picking  out  the  selections  he  thought  would 
most  tickle  her  fancy.  Having  done  so,  he  felt  that 
to  be  treated  in  this  absurd  fashion  was  unpardon- 
able, and  he  told  the  lady  so.  By  way  of  answer, 
she  raised  a  record  carton  from  among  its  fellows 
and  blew  sharply  upon  it.  Like  unto  a  sandstorm 
upon  the  Sahara  was  the  result. 

"Now,  young  man,"  exclaimed  the  outraged  cus- 
tomer between  coughs,  "take  these  records  back 
and  bring  me  some  that  are  clean!" 

This  experience  was  made  possible  simply  through 
neglect  on  the  part  of  the  jobber  in  keeping  his 
stock  free  from  dust.  It  put  the  writer  in  bad  with 
a  good  patron  also,  but  at  the  same  time  it  proved 
beneficial,  viz.,  thereafter  when  he  had  an  order  to 
deliver  he  saw  to  it  that  the  goods  were  clean.     They 


had  to  pass  the  high  standard  set  by  Mrs.  S.,  and 
that  was  going  some. 

Let  us  gaze  into  the  show  window  a  moment,  Mr. 
Dealer.  The  general  effect  is  very  good.  The  dis- 
play is  well  executed  and  correctly  set  up,  but  there 
prevails  a  certain  lack  of  freshness.  The  snap  and 
ginger  which  the  window  gave  out  to  the  passer-by 
when  newly  dressed  has  disappeared,  and  in  its 
place  has  come  an  air  of  dowdiness.  Milady  is  im- 
pressed with  pretty  things,  but  she  demands  them 
freshly  and  daintily  served.  When  she  goes  tripping 
into  the  Cafe  Dansant  and  orders  her  lettuce  sand- 
wich and  pot  of  tea,  the  lettuce  must  be  crisp  and 
the  napery  well  laundered,  or  Louie  is  soundly 
scolded  and  made  to  try  again.  Thus  it  is  with 
your  show  window,  Mr.  Dealer,  for  she  will  pass  by 
your  store  on  her  way  downtown  some  day,  and  if 
you  would  have  her  pause  and  admire,  you  must 
bedeck  it  in  the  style  that  will  most  attract  her, 
which  means  that  it  must  be  immaculate  as  well  as 
artistic. 

Another  thing  that  goes  far  toward  making  a  good 
impression  along  the  line  of  cleanliness  is  the  careful 
dressing  of  employees.  It  is  really  rather  disgust- 
ing to  do  business  with  a  talker  shop  where  the 
clerks  are  slovenly  apparelled;  where  soiled  collars, 
rusty  footgear  and  dark  finger-nails  are  the  rule.  I 
am  very  glad  to  be  able  to  vouch  for  the  fact  that 
this  lack  of  attention  to  dress  among  talking  machine 
employes  is  greatly  in  the  minority,  but  it  does 
exist,  and  therefore  is  a  menace  to  trade. 

Even  though  this  condition  of  inelegance  may 
not  be  noticeable  in  your  place  of  business,  Mr. 
Dealer,  why  not  look  the  boys  over  when  they  come 
in  to-morrow,  and,  if  there  is  room  for  improve- 
ment, suggest,  in  a  fatherly  manner,  that  they  take 
a  few  moments'  more  time  each  morning  in  the 
preparation  of  their  toilets.  There  is  absolutely  no 
reason  why  they  should  take  offense  at  this  request 
when  they  understand  what  it  will  mean  to  you 
mutually  to  have  the  establishement  immaculate. 

Are  you  sure,  Mr.  Dealer,  that  your  literature  is 
going  out  to  your  customers  as  clean  and  bright  as 
it  comes  to  you  from  the  printer  or  the  factory?  I 
would  look  this  matter  up  if  I  were  you  and  satisfy 
yourself  that  your  advertising  is  as  clean  as  your 
shelves,  your  window,  and  the  collars  of  your  clerks. 
— Howard  Taylor  Middleton  in  the  Talking  Machine 
World. 


Mr.  G.  H.  Spencer,  of  the  Spencer  Music  Co., 
Mitchell,  S.  D.,  writes: 

"I  had  the  A250  at  an  open-air  meeting  of  all  the 
churches  at  the  Court-House  Square  last  Sunday 
evening  and  played  their  sacred  music  for  them.  I 
played  selections  to  about  1,200  or  1,400  people  and, 
believe  me,  I  got  some  good  out-door  advertising 
there  without  costing  me  a  cent." 


Jobbers  of 
Edison  Phonographs  and  Records 


DISC  AND  CYLINDER 

CALIFORNIA 
Los  Angeles — Southern  California  Music  Co. 
San  Francisco — Pacific  Phonograph  Co. 

COLORADO 
Denver — Denver  Dry  Goods  Co. 

CONNECTICUT 
New  Haven — Pardee-Ellenberger     Co. 
DISTRICT  OF  COLUMBIA 
Washington — McKee  Instrument  Co. 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago — The  Phonograph  Co. 
INDIANA 
Indianapolis — Kipp-Link  Phonograph  Co. 

IOWA 
Des  moines — Harger  &  Blish. 
Sioux  City — Harger  &  Blish. 

MAINE 
Bangor — Chandler    &    Co. 

MARYLAND 
Baltimore — McKee  Surgical  Instrument  Co. 

MASSACHUSETTS 
Boston — Pardee-Ellenberger  Co. 
MICHIGAN 
Detroit — American  Phonograph  Co. 

MINNESOTA 
Minneapolis — Laurence  H.  Lucker. 

MISSOURI 
Kansas  City — Phonograph  Co.  of  Kansas  City. 
St.  Louis — Silverstone  Music  Co. 

MONTANA 
Helena — Montana  Phonograph  Co. 

NEBRASKA 
Omaha — Shultz  Bros. 

NEW    JERSEY 

Hoboken — Eclipse  Phonograph  Co. 

NEW  YORK 
Albany — American  Phonograph  Co. 
Syracuse — Frank  E.  Bolway  &  Son 
New  York — The  Phonograph   Corporation   of  Man- 
hattan. 

OHIO 

Cincinnati — The  Phonograph  Co. 
Cleveland — The  Phonograph  Co. 
Toledo — Hayes  Music  Co. 

OREGON 
Portland — Graves  Music  Co. 

PENNSYLVANIA 
Philadelphia — Girard  Phonograph  Co. 
Pittsburgh — Buehn  Phonograph  Co. 
Williamsport — W.  A.  Myers. 

TENNESSEE 
Memphis — Atwood  Phonograph  Co. 

TEXAS 
Dallas — Southern  Talking  Machine  Co. 
El  Paso — El  Paso  Phonograph  Co.,  Inc.,  (Disc  only) 
Fort  Worth — Texas-Oklahoma  Phonograph  Co. 
Houston — Houston  Phonograph  Co. 

UTAH 
Ogden — Proudfit  Sporting  Goods  Co. 

VIRGINIA 
Richmond — C.  B.  Haynes  &  Co. 

WASHINGTON 
Seattle — Pacific  Phonograph  Co.,  N.  W. 
Spokane — Graves  Music  Co. 

WISCONSIN 
Milwaukee — The  Phonograph  Co.,  of  Milwaukee. 

CANADA 
Quebec — C.  Robitaille. 


Montreal — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 
St.  John— W.  H.  Thorne  &  Co.,  Ltd. 
Toronto — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 
Vancouver — Kent  Piano  Co.,  Ltd. 
Winnipeg — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 

Babson  Bros. 
Calgary — R.  S.  Williams  &  Sons  Co.,  Ltd. 


CYLINDER  ONLY 

ALABAMA 
Birmingham — Talking  Machine  Co. 
Mobile — W.  H.  Reynalds. 

COLORADO 
Denver — Hext  Music  Co. 

GEORGIA 
Atlanta — Atlanta  Phonograph  Co. 
Waycross — Youmans  Jewelry  Co. 

ILLINOIS 
Chicago — Babson  Bros. 

James  I.  Lyons. 
Peoria — Peoria  Phonograph  Co. 
Putnam-Page  Co.,  Inc. 
Quincy — Quincy  Phonograph  Co. 
MARYLAND 
Baltimore — E.  F.  Droop  &  Sons  Co. 
MASSACHUSETTS 
Boston — Eastern  Talking  Machine  Co. 

Iver  Johnson  Sporting  Goods  Co. 
Lowell — Thomas  Wardell. 

MINNESOTA 
St.  Paul— W.  J.  Dyer  &  Bro. 

MISSOURI 
Kansas  City — Schmelzer  Arms  Co. 
NEW  HAMPSHIRE 
Manchester — John  B.  Varick  Co. 
NEW  JERSEY 
Paterson — James  K.  O'Dea. 

NEW  YORK 
Albany — Finch  &  Hahn. 
Buffalo — W.  D.  Andrews. 

Neal,  Clark  &  Neal  Co. 
Elmira — Elmira  Arm  Co. 

New  York  City — Blackman  Talking  Maching  Co. 
J.  F.  Blackman  &  Son. 
I.  Davega,  Jr.,  Inc. 
S.  B.  Davega  Co. 
J.B.GreenhutCo. 
Rochester — Talking  Machine  Co. 
Syracuse — W.  D.  Andrews  Co. 
Utica — Arthur  F.  Ferriss. 
William  Harrison. 

PENNSYLVANIA 
Philadelphia — Louis  Buehn. 

Penn  Phonograph  Co. 
H.  A.  Weymann  &  Son. 
Scranton — Ackerman  &  Co. 

RHODE   ISLAND 
Providence — J.  A.  Foster  Co. 
J.  Samuels  &  Bro. 
TEXAS 
El  Paso— W.  G.  Walz  Co. 

UTAH 
Salt  Lake  City — Consolidated  Music  Co. 

VERMONT 
Burlington — American  Phonograph  Co. 


■ J""  U     '-'-.'   ■  ■   ■      ,    !   •'"'     ■-'      .  •'  ■ "" 


13*  EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH 


MONTHLY 


THE    EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH     MONTHLY 

Published  in  the  interest  of 

EDISON  PHONOGRAPHS  AND  RECORDS 

By  THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  Inc. 

ORANGE,  N.  J.,  U.  S.  A. 

THOMAS  A.   EDISON,  LTD.,  25  CLERKENWELL  ROAD,   LONDON,  E.  C. 

THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  LTD.,  364-372  KENT  STREET,  SYDNEY,  N.  S.  W. 

COMPANIA  EDISON  HISPANO-AMERICANA,  VIAMONTE  515,  BUENOS  AIRES. 

EDISON  GESELLSCHAFT,  M.  B.  H.  10  FRIEDRICHSTRASSE,  BERLIN. 

COMPAGNIE  FRANCAISE  THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  59  RUE  DES  PETITES-ECURIES.  PARIS. 


Volume  XII 


OCTOBER,  1914 


Number  10 


A  NOVELTY  IN  BLUE  AMBEROLS 

Real  American  Indian  Songs — Harmonized 

By  Geoffrey  O'Hara 

WHEN  Mr.  O'Hara  was  appointed  by  the  Secre- 
tary of  the  Interior  at  Washington,  Instructor 
of  Native  American  Music,  that  act  constituted 
a  change  in  the  attitude  of  the  United  States  Govern- 
ment towards  the  red  man.    After  long  centuries  have 
rolled  up  on  the  scroll  of  our  national  life,  we  are  dis- 
covering that  our  original 
attitude   toward    the    In- 
dian  was  a  mistaken  one. 
Secretary  Lane  has  ap- 
pointed  Mr.  O'Hara  am- 
bassador of  music,  so   to 
say,    to    the    native     in- 
habitants of  North  Amer- 
ica.   Anyone  can  see  at  a 
glance  that  this  is  a  revo- 
lutionary move,  for  while 
it  was  thought   necessary 
to  dispatch   brigades  and 
regiments  to  put  the  poor 
Indian    to     rout,    now    a 
single   man   is  dispatched 
armed,  not  with   cannon 
nor  bayonet,  but   merely  with  an  Edison  phonograph. 
Song  is  appointed  to  supersede   steel. 

The  Navajo  Indians  are  located  in  Arizona  and  are 
rich  in  thousands  of  songs  that  have  been  composed 
with  skill  and  handed  down  for  centuries  from  father 
to  son,  from  teacher  to  pupil.  They  have  a  number  of 
ceremonies,  each  one  lasting  nine  days  and  nights,  each 
containing  more  than  six  hundred  songs. 

Several  of  the  best  of  these  Indian  songs  were  selected 
from  a  large  number  taken  on  the  Edison  recording 
phonograph.  The  accompanying  picture  shows  several 
Indian  boys  making  such  a  record. 

All  these  songs  have  been  made  a  matter  of  special 
study  by  Mr.  O'Hara.    He  himself  has  learned  several, 


and  having  harmonized  them,  is  enabled  to  reproduce 
them  with  novel  and  interesting  effect. 

In  the  November  list  of  Blue  Amberol  Records  No. 
2451  contains  parts  of  several  Indian  songs  sung  b 
Mr.  O'Hara  and  prefaced  by  an  explanatory  descrip 
tive  talk  that  adds  greatly  to  their  interest. 

The  record  is  certainly  a  very  novel  and  interesting  one. 

Col.  Theodore  Roosevelt,  speaking  of  Mr.  O'Hara's 
work,  says: 

"Among  the  visitors  at  the  Snake  Dance  was  Geoffrey 
O'Hara,  whom  Secretary  of  the  Interior  Lane  has  so 
wisely  appointed  Instructor  of  Native  Indian  Music. 
Mr.  O'Hara's  purpose  is  to  perpetuate  and  develop  the 
wealth  of  Indian  music  and  poetry — and  ultimately  the 
rhythmical  dancing  that  goes  with  the  music  and 
poetry.  Many  well-informed  and  well-meaning  people 
are  apt  to  protest  against  the  effort  to  keep  and  develop 
what  is  best  in  the  Indian's  own  historic  life  as  incom- 
patible with  making  him  an  American  citizen,  and  speak 
of  those  of  opposite  views  as  wishing  to  preserve  the 
Indian's  only  as  national  bric-a-brac.  This  is  not  so. 
We  believe  in  fitting  him  for  citizenship  as  rapidly  as 
possible.  But  where  he  cannot  be  pushed  ahead  rap- 
idly we  believe  in  making  progress  slowly,  and  in  a 
cases  where  it  is  possible  we  hope  to  keep  for  him  ana 
for  us  what  was  best  in  his  old  culture." 


Foreman,  Joseph  &  Loeb,  Birmingham,  Ala.,  one  of 
the  largest  department  stores  of  the  South,  has  an 
attractive  display  of  Edison  products  and  has 
already  closed  a  number  of  good  sales.  Their  account 
is  under  the  careful  oversight  of  the  Silverstone  Music 
Company,  St.  Louis. 


Flanner-Hofsoos  Music  House,  Milwaukee,  have  been 
making  some  excellent  sales  of  the  Edison  Phono- 
graph right  through  the  summer  months.  This  firm 
is  enthusiastic  regarding  the  Edison  proposition, 
and  are  encouraging  their  salesmen  to  push  the  Edison 
in  connection  with  their  high-tone  piano  trade. 


170 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  OCTOBER,  1914 


171 


Navajo  Indian  Schoolboys.  Fort  Defiance,  Arizona,  belonging  to  the  Government  Indian  School,  singing  their  native  Indian  songs 
into  the  Edison  Recording  Phonograph,  for  Geoffrey  O'Hara,  Instructor  of  Indian  Music.    (See  previous  page.) 


439  "EDISON  ATTACHMENTS" 
EFFECT  AN  OUTPUT  OF  450  BLUE 
AMBEROLS  IN  ONE  MONTH- 
JUNE,  1914 

THE  splendid  opportunity  that  lies  right  at  the 
Edison  Cylinder  dealer's  door  to  increase  his 
sales  of  Blue  Amberols  was  never  better  illus- 
trated than  in  the  case  of  one  such  dealer,  Moser, 
of  the  little  town  of  Hamden,  N.  J.,  with  a  popula- 
tion of  just  twenty-five. 

Mr.  Moser  is  a  hustler  and  carries  a  representa- 
tive line  of  both  Edison  Cylinder  and  Disc  machines 
and  records  in  his  warerooms  adjoining  his  residence. 
Hamden  is  a  mere  village  2^2  miles  southwest  of 
Clinton,  N.  J.,  and  its  nearest  railway  station  is 
Lansdown  on  the  Lehigh  Valley  Railroad. 

Despite  the  seeming  handicap  Mr.  Moser  reports 
that  during  the  last  two  years  he  has  applied  439 
four-minute  attachments  to  old  style  Edison  Cylin- 
der Machines,  and  during  the  month  of  June  his 
sale  of  Blue  Amberol  records  numbered  upward  of 
450.  Mr.  Moser  is  a  firm  believer  in  recitals,  giving 
them  throughout  the  county,  which  he  canvasses 
thoroughly,  both  by  wagon  and  auto,  day  by  day. 
Each  month  he  leaves  with  every  customer  a  box 
with  from  twenty-four  to  thirty  new  records,  col- 
lecting those  not  sold  on  his  return  trip,  and  reports 
for  the  class  of  trade  he  is  catering  to  that  the  Blue 
Amberol  records  are  the  best  selling  proposition. 
Incidentally  it  is  worthy  of  note  that  Mr.  Moser 
arranged  for  a  fine  display  at  the  Flemington  Fair, 
August  4th  to  8th,  where  he  had  a  demon- 
strating booth. 


CAUSE  FOR  CHEER 
A  Thanksgiving  Sermon  in  Brief 

Is  it  difficult  to  be  cheerful  and  optimistic  at  the 
present  time? 

Why — the  very  fact  that  you  are  in  God's  own  coun- 
try is  in  itself  sufficient  to  fill  you  with  joy. 

Look  abroad — and  contrast  the  situation! 

Abroad  all  is  devastation — ruin — death — and  a  dis- 
mal future,  no  matter  which  way  the  scales  turn. 

Here — the  very  worst  is  a  season  of  somewhat  de- 
pressed business  conditions — that  of  necessity  must 
prove  very  short. 

We  are  not  at  war — the  country  is  safe  in  every  way — : 
we  are  not  interfered  with — we  are  not  torn  from  our 
families  and  offered  up  as  human  sacrifice. 

We  suffer — if  we  suffer  at  all — only  from  a  commer- 
cial standpoint. 

Think  it  over. 

Contrast  your  condition  with  the  condition  of  the 
millions  in  the  old  world. 

And  then  admit  that  your  cause  for  thankfulness  is 
large. 

Thanksgiving  Day  in  the  United  States  ought  to  be 
universally  observed. — Chicago  Musical  Times. 

5000  RECORDS  A-BLAZE 

A  SPECTACULAR  fire  occurred  in  upper  Birch 
Street  Bangor,  Me.,  shortly  after  8  o'clock, 
September  3d,  when  a  wooden  storehouse  belong- 
ing to  the  S.  L.  Crosby  Company  was  destroyed.  Five 
thousand  phonograph  records  were  burnt.  It  is  esti- 
mated that  the  loss  is  about  31,500,  fully  covered  by 
insurance. 


172 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  OCTOBER,  1914 


MERLE  TILLOTSON  TO  TOUR  WITH 
WALTER  DAMROSCH 

EDISON  audiences  will  remember  with  pleasure 
Merle  Tillotson's  (Mrs.  Bechtel  Alcock)  excep- 
tionally good  contralto  voice — one  that  records 
splendidly.  Her  tones  are  even  and  true;  her  interpreta- 
tions carefully  planned  and  delivered  with  great  skill. 
Her  enunciation  also  is  very  clear.  The  exceptional 
rendering  of  "Let  Me  Dream  Again"  (Record  2273), 
revealing  the  power  and  beauty  of  her  voice,  will  be 
readily  recalled. 

During  the  1915  Spring  Tour  of  the  Damrosch  Or- 
chestra she  will  be  the  contralto  soloist,  an  honor  that 
is  certainly  a  compliment  to  her  and  a  position  which 
she  can  fill  with  much  credit  to  herself  and  delight 
to  her  audiences.     We  wish  her  much  success. 


THE   PHONOGRAPH    BUSINESS    IS 
PRETTY  BIG ! 

FEW  people  have  any  adequate  idea  of  the 
popularity  of  the  phonograph  today.  In 
Minneapolis  alone,  we  have  it  on  excellent 
authority,  the  sale  of  phonographs  outside  of 
records,  averages  350,000  per  month.  That  this  is 
a  conservative  estimate  is  shown  by  the  receipts 
of  one  dealer  alone  whose  sales  average  320,000 
a  month,  and  he  acknowledged  he  did  less  than  a 
third  of  the  business  in  Minneapolis.  In  1910 
phonographs  sold  in  the  United  States  were  valued 
at  368,000,000.  They  have  increased  greatly  since 
then.  The  people  employed  in  manufacturing  and 
retailing  phonographs  number  more  than  40,000 
— quite  an  army. —  Talking  Machine  World. 


Blake  and  Burkhart,  Philadelphia,  report  very  good 
business  all  summer.  They  have  in  addition  been 
preparing  for  a  lively  fall  campaign. 


FIFTY  NEW  BRITISH 
BLUE  AMBEROL  RECORDS 

YOUR  attention  is  drawn  to  the  fact  that  this  list  embraces 
eight  special  Christmas  numbers.     These  should  be  in- 
cluded in  your  preparation  for  Holiday  business.     There 
are  also  well-known  selections  of  standard  quality  and 
universal  appeal,  as  well  as  popular  English,  Irish  and  Scotch 
melodies    that    are    equally    as    salable    as    the    records    in    our 
domestic  Supplements. 

SEPTEMBER,  1914 

Price  50  cents  each  in  the  United  States 
65  cents  each  in  Canada 

23141  Christmas  Time,  Wright,  Long  and  Pelham 

Jack  Charman  and  Chorus 

23142  Yule  tide  Memories  National  Military  Band 

23143  Sweet  Christmas  Bells,  Shattuck,  Tenor  and  Bass 

Ernest  Pike  and  Peter  Dawson 

23144  The  Mistletoe  Bough,  Bishop  and  Bayly 

British  Male  Quartet 

23145  The  Star  of  Bethlehem,  Adams  and  Weatherly, 

Tenor  Hardy  Williamson 

23146  Why  Don't  Santa  Claus  Bring  Something  to  Me? 

Godfrey  and  Williams  Billy  Williams 

23147  Nazareth,  Gounod,  Baritone  Peter  Dawson 


23148  The  Street  Watchman's  Christmas,  Winter, 

Talking  Bransby  Williams 

23149  While  Shepherds  Watch'd,  Tenor  Ernest  Pike 

23150  Christmas  at  Sea 

National  Military  Band  and  Male  Quartet 
23208     Star  of  My  Soul,  Sidney  Jones,  Baritone 

David  Brazell 
23210     Overture  Fest,  Leutner       H.  M.  Irish  Guards  Band 

23212  When  Love  Creeps  in  Your  Heart,  Mills  and 

Scott,  Tenor  Hughes  Macklin 

23213  Hey,  Ho,  Can't  You  Hear  the  Steamer, 

Godfrey  and  Gifford  Daisy  Taylor 

23215  Oh,  La,  La,  That  Angel  Music  Man,  Mills  and 

Scott,  Baritone  Stanley  Kirkby 

23216  Her  Bright  Smile  Haunts  Me  Still,  Carpenter  and 

Wrightson,  Tenor  and  Baritone 

Hughes  Macklin  and  David  Brazell 

23217  Clap  Hands,  Lukos,  Baritone  Alix  Lukos 

23218  The  Children's  Home,  Cowen,  Cornet 

Sergt.  C.  Leggett 

23219  Giving  a  Donkey  a  Strawberry,  Godfrey  and 

Williams  Billy  Williams 

23220  Beyond  the  Dawn,  Weatherly  and  Sanderson,  Tenor 

Hardy  Williamson 

23222  Bantry  Bay,  Molloy,  Bass-Baritone 

T.  F.  Kinniburgh 

23223  Take  Me  in  a  Taxi,  Joe,  Mills  and  Scott 

Jack  Charman 

23224  Time  Will  Always  Bring  Forgiveness,  Mills  and 

Scott,  Tenor  Charles  Compton 

23225  Whitehall  March,  C.  Kottaun 

National  Military  Band 

23226  Father  of  Victory  March,  Ganne 

National  Military  Band 

23227  Somewhere  a  Voice  is  Calling,  Tate  and  Newton, 

Tenor  Hughes  Macklin 

23228  What  a  Game  It  Is,  Wow!  Wow!  Godfrey  and 

Gifford  Jack  Charman 

23229  Play  a  Hieland  Melody,  Rule  and  Castling 

Daisy  Taylor 

23230  The  Dear  Little  Shamrock,  Cherry  and  Jackson, 

Tenor  and  Baritone 

Hughes  Macklin  and  David  Brazell 

23232  Oft  in  the  Stilly  Night,  Tenor  Patrick  Hughes 

23233  Heroines  of  History,  Lukos,  Baritone        Alix  Lukos 

23234  The  Way  the  Wind  Blows  We'll  Go,  Judge  and 

Williams,  Baritone  Stanley  Kirkby 

23235  The  Picture  in  My  Heart,  Teschemacher  and  Lane- 

Wilson,  Tenor  Charles  Compton 

23236  I'm  Out  for  the  Day  Today,  Godfrey  and  Williams 

Billy  Williiams 

23237  Ballet  Egyptien  No.  1,  Luigini 

National  Military  Band 

23238  Bonjour  Chichinettes  March,  Borel-Clerc 

National  Military  Band 

23239  A  Loved  Voice,  Rutherford  and  Lane-Wilson,  Tenor 

Hughes  Macklin 

23240  We  Are  Going  to  Have  a  Nice  Afternoon,  Leo, 

Baritone  Frank  Leo 

23241  The  Somerset  Farmer,  Brandon  and  Lane-Wilson, 

Baritone  H.  Lane- Wilson 

23243  Our  Hands  Have  Met  But  Not  Our  Hearts,  Hood 

and  Wallace,  Tenor  and  Baritone 

Hughes  Macklin  and  David  Brazell 

23244  My  Southern  Maid,  Barrett  and  Darewski,  Baritone 

Stanley  Kirkby 

23246  Whoops!  Let's  Do  It  Again,    Hargreaves  and  Neat 

Jack  Charman 

23247  Thoughts  and  Tears,  Bingham  and  Temple,  Tenor 

Hardy  Williamson 

23249  Ballet  Egyptien  No.  2,  Luigini 

National  Military  Band 

23250  I  Do  Kind  of  Feel  I'm  in  Love,  Christine 

National  Military  Band 

23251  Dearest  and  Best,  0' Re illy  and  Squire,  Tenor 

Hughes  Macklin 

23253  I  Had  Such  a  Beautiful  Dream,  Barrett  and  Lyle, 

Baritone  Stanley  Kirkby 

23254  Whisper  and  I  Shall  Hear,   Hubi-  Newcombe  and 

Piccolomini,  Tenor  and  Baritone 

Hughes  Macklin  and  David  Brazell 

23256  Hello  There!  Little  Tommy  Atkins,  Barrett  and 

Darewski  Jack  Charman 

23257  Since  Last  We  Met,  Clark  and  Marchbank,  Tenor 

Charles  Compton 

When  entering  order  for  these  records,  please  accompany  it 
with  a  request  for  as  many  printed  Supplements  (Form  2704) 
as  you  can  use  to  good  advantage. 


THE  DIAMOND  DISC 

Matters  of  Special  Interest  to  Disc  Jobbers  and  Dealers 


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A  GOOD  TIME  ON  THE  LAWN  WITH  AN  EDISON  DISC,  HANOVER,  PA. 

HOW  EDISON  DISC  MUSIC  IMPRESSES 

CHILDREN 


THE  appeal  has  been  made — and  rightly,  too — in 
exploiting  the  Edison  disc,  to  music-loving,  music- 
discriminating  people.    The  music  critic,  the  solo- 
ist, the  music  teacher  and  the  orchestra  leader  are  the 
ones   whose  endorsement  would   seem   to  carry   most 
weight. 

But  children  are  critics,  too.  and  their  little  ears, 
while  not  so  acute  as  those  of  their  teachers,  realize 
sweet  music  when  they  hear  it.  Apropos  of  this  fact 
are  the  experiences  of  certain  English  school  teachers, 
as  reported  by  one  of  their  number  in  The  Musical 
Student,  a  periodical  having  extensive  circulation 
abroad: 

"Of  all  the  various  types  of  pupils  that  pass 
through  our  hands  hardly  any  is  so  dreaded  by 
keen  teacher  as  the  dull,  irresponsive  boys  or  girls 
who  never  brighten  into  interest,  who  never 
produce  an  independent  idea.  We  all  long  for 
pupils  who  show  some  spark  of  originality  or 
imagination,  and  sometimes  we  know  not  by 
what  means  to  strike  that  spark.  Well,  might 
not  music  furnish  such  means?     A  .dull  class  in 


my  own  school  was  asked  the  other  day  to  write 
a  melody  to  'Hush-a-bye,  baby.'  No  hints  of 
any  kind  were  given,  but  every  child  in  it  was 
pledged  to  make  an  attempt.  All  brought  their 
melody  and  all  had  chosen  6-8  time,  the  reason 
given  being  that  you  could  rock  better  to  it. 
One  child  brought  a  charming  melody  written  in 
the  minor  key,  and  when  asked  why  she  chose 
the  minor  rather  than  the  major,  said,  'Oh, 
because  it  is  so  sad  and  dreamy — the  major  is 
bright  and  jolly  and  would  wake  the  baby  up.' 
A  teacher  played  to  the  same  class,  which  had 
never  heard  it,  Mendelssohn's  'In  a  Gondola,' 
and  asked  if  it  suggested  anything  to  them.  In- 
stantly came  the  reply,  'Yes,  something  float- 
ing.' 

"Again,  I  claim  that  music  wisely  taught  does 
much  to  awaken  and  develop  the  aesthetic  side 
of  the  child's  mind.  I  speak  from  personal  ex- 
perience in  the  classes  which  I  teach  myself  when 
I  say  that  I  have  noticed  in  girls  who  have  had 
this  aural  musical  training  a  keener  perception 


173 


174  EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  OCTOBER,  1914 


of  the  beauty  of  great  poetry,  a  quicker  response 
to  its  melody,  its  rhythm,  its  cadences,  in  short, 
a  greater  sensitiveness  to  beauty  of  sound  and 
form. 

"You  will  smile,  perhaps,  when  I  tell  you  that 
we  encourage  our  children  to  write  words  and 
set  them  to  music,  yet  it  is  curious  to  notice  how 
soon  they  become  critical  of  their  own  and  each 
other's  productions,  and  how  by  degrees  there 
emerges  a  perception  limited  of  course,  by  their 
youth  and  inexperience,  yet  genuine  so  far  as  it 
goes,  of  the  word-music  of  literature." 

Right  in  line  with  this  experience  is  a  similar  one 
in  Wisconsin,  where  an  Edison  Disc  Phonograph  was 
made  a  gift  by  a  wealthy  citizen  to  the  Public  Library 
and  placed  in  the  children's  department.  Here  it  be- 
came the  delight  of  the  pupils  of  the  public  schools  and 
daily  recitals  were  given  to  children.  The  librarian, 
Miss  McCarthy,  suggested  that  pupils  of  the  fifth  grade 
in  the  local  Public  Schools  come  to  the  library  and  hear 
some  Edison  Disc  selections  and  then  express  their 
appreciation  in  writing.  The  result  was  surprising  and 
from  a  large  number  of  unusually  good  compositions  we 
select  the  following  by  Carene  Sulig,  a  pupil  of  the  fifth 
grade,  Lincoln  Public  School,  Marinette,  Wis.: 

"A  PLEASANT  AFTERNOON" 

"We  have  spent  a  very  pleasant  afternoon. 
The  music  was  grand.  The  first  selection  was  a 
march  played  by  a  brass  orchestra,  a  lullaby 
by  Elizabeth  Spencer  and  'My  Old  Kentucky 
Home.'  Miss  McCarthy  told  us  how  the  writer 
of  the  last  song  was  ruined  by  liquor.  The 
selection  I  liked  best  was  'Come  Back  to  Erin.' 


We  heard  'The  Anvil  Chorus,'  and  the  prison 
scene  from  'II  Trovatore.' 

"The  Phonograph  that  Mr.  Edison  invented 
has  a  diamond  point  and  it  never  needs  to  be 
changed.  It  took  him  a  long  time  to  study  how 
to  make  this  phonograph  perfect  and  he  spoiled 
many  records.  At  last  he  succeeded  and  he  said, 
'Real  Music  at  Last.' 

"Mr.  Edison  is  a  great  man  to  invent-such  a 
wonderful  machine.  If  we  wanted  to  hear  any 
good  opera  we  would  have  to  pay  a  dollar  and  a 
half  to  hear  this  beautiful  music.  It  sounded 
just  as  if  they  were  singing  or  playing  before  us. 

"We  children  of  Marinette  enjoy  the  phono- 
graph very  much  and  would  like  to  hear  many 
other  pieces." 

Going  a  step  further  than  this,  the  Supervisor  of 
Music  of  Public  Schools,  Pasadena,  California,  uses 
with  an  Edison  Disc  Phonograph,  the  kinetoscope  to 
illustrate  his  lectures  to  the  children  on  music  and 
musical  appreciation,  among  the  grammar  grades. 

The  study  of  opera  is  made  especially  interesting. 
All  the  component  parts  of  the  libretto  and  score  are 
first  explained:  the  prologue,  the  aria,  duet,  recitative 
and  chorus,  while  under  instrumental,  is  given  overture, 
intermezzo  and  ballet.  Often  simple  choruses  from 
opera  are  sung  by  the  students,  and  sometimes  a  local 
singer  helps  to  illustrate.  When  the  story  of  an  opera 
like  Lohengrin  is  suitably  arranged  to  relate  to  children, 
it  is  told  act  by  act  just  as  it  occurs  in  the  opera,  while 
the  records  are  played  and  the  kinetoscope  throws  the 
scenes  on  the  screen. 

Outdoors  the  Edison  Disc  is  becoming  a  means  of 
entering  into  children's  songs  and  games,  as  evidenced 
in  the  two  illustrations  given  herewith. 


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oi 

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EDISON  DISC  SCENE  AT  HANOVER,  PA.,  THIS  SUMMER.    "RING  AROUND  A  ROSY." 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  OCTOBER,  1914 


175 


THE  EDISON  DISC   IN  NOON-TIME 
CONCERTS 

THE  Prudential  Insurance  Company  of  America, 
with  head  offices  in  Newark,  N.  J.,  has  instituted 
a  very  commendable  feature  in  the  interests  of 
their  many  hundreds  of  employees.  Every  Tuesday 
and  Thursday,  from  12:15  to  12:50  noon,  their  hand- 
some large  auditorium  is  thrown  open  to  the  free  enter- 
tainment of  such  of  their  employees  as  desire  to  avail 
themselves  of  the  privilege.  It  is  a  most  inspiring  sight 
to  see  this  hall  filled  at  this  hour  with  from  1,000  to 
1,200  people,  all  eager  to  enjoy  the  program  so  gener- 
ously provided.  We  are  informed  by  the  management 
that  there  is  always  enough  local  talent  among  the 
employees  to  provide  a  first-class  program  upon  short 
notice  if  necessary.  But  the  Committee  in  charge  leave 
little  to  chance  and  arrange  long  in  advance. 

Among  other  attractions  the  Edison  Disc  selections 
have  become  a  favorite.  The  Prudential  Insurance 
Company,  after  an  expression  of  choice  on  the  part  of 
the  Committee,  decided  on  an  Edison  Disc  in  prefer- 
ence to  any  other  phonograph,  "because  the  tone  was 
more  mellow." 

An  A250  Disc  Phonograph  with  a  large  number  of 
choice  records  was  chosen  and  paid  for  by  the  Com- 
pany, and  thereon  turned  over  to  the  Noontime  Com- 
mittee to  use  as  they  thought  best  at  these  entertain- 
ments. Officers  as  well  as  employees  frequent  these 
noontime  gatherings,  which  are  promptly  begun  and  as 
promptly  closed,  that  there  may  be  no  interference 
with  office  duties.  On  stormy  days  especially  the  hall 
is  crowded. 

The  Prudential  certainly  sets  an  admirable  example 
to  other  insurance  companies  in  the  liberal  provision 
for  the  welfare  of  employees.  Edison  Dealers  would 
do  well  to  canvas  insurance  companies  at  their  head- 


quarters. Once  installed,  an  Edison  Disc  Phonograph 
becomes  a  permanent  source  of  entertainment  and  the 
addition  of  records  from  time  to  time  is  not  burden- 


ARE   YOU  MAKING  USE  OF  THOSE 
DEALERS'  INVITATION  LETTERS? 

"We  hereby  take  this  opportunity  of  thanking  you 
for  'Dealer's  Plan  for  Circularizing,'  which  has  for  its 
object  to  induce  prospective  customers  of  Edison  Dia- 
mond Disc  Phonographs  to  purchase.  We  are  using 
these  circular  letters  and  we  believe  that  if  the  present 
plan  is  carried  out,  it  will  result  in  several  sales  in  the 
near  future.  We  like  this  plan  of  advertising  better 
than  any  other  we  have  ever  tried,  and  the  letters 
could  not  be  gotten  up  to  suit  us  any  better,  therefore 
we  appreciate  your  sending  us  these  letters,  which  we 
trust  will  increase  Edison  Disc  sales,  to  our  mutual 
benefit." — L.  Shepherd  &  Co.,  Fort  Worth,  Tex. 


THE    NEW   PLAN  OF  DISC    DISTRI- 
BUTION A  SUCCESS 

"With  the  coming  of  weekly  releases  of  six  popular 
Disc  records  for  the  New  Edison  Disc  machine,  you 
have  more  than  fulfilled  our  expectations. 

"We  ordered  three  sets  of  the  new  records  and  before 
noon  of  Monday  were  sold  out  and  telegraphed  for 
two  sets  more.  I  mailed  list  to  every  Disc  machine 
owner  here  and  above  shows  a  hearty  response.  We 
now  have  something  to  talk  about  when  our  competi- 
tors cry — Edison  has  no  records.  The  New  Edison 
Disc  machine — no  needles  to  change,  nothing  but 
music — has  revolutionized  talking  machine  business." 
— Mandel  13  Schwarzman,  Bloomington,  III. 


176 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  OCTOBER,  1914 


W.  G.  WOODMANSEE 

THE  W.  G.  WOODMANSEE  PIANO  CO. 

ENTHUSIASTIC  OVER  EDISON 

DISC  SALES 

THIS  old-established  piano  house  has  a  record  of 
over  twenty-five  years  of  uninterrupted  growth 
and  success.  Located  at  105  and  107  West 
Fourth  Street,  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  they  have  established 
a  reputation  that  is  based  upon  the  one  price  system 
to  all,  and  they  handle  only 
such  grades  of  pianos  as 
can  be  confidently  recom- 
mended. Every  instrument 
is  fully  tested  before  it  is 
allowed  to  leave  the  House. 

In  taking  hold  of  the  Edi- 
son Diamond  Disc  Phono- 
graph they  at  once  pushed  it 
along  with  their  highest 
grade  pianos.  The  result  of 
their  efforts  in  the  compara- 
tively short  while  they  have 
had  the  Disc  has  convinced 
them  that  there  is  a  very 
profitable  field  there  for  an 
instrument  of  the  true  musi- 
cal character  of  the  Edison 
Disc. 

The  popular  Disc  instru- 
ments in  their  experience 
seems  to  be  the  A250. 

The  fall  business  looms  up 
large  and  a  vigorous  campaign 
is  about  ready  to  be  launched. 
Their  location  is  ideal  for 
handling  high  grade  musical 
instruments  and  every  facility 
is  at  hand  to  realize  a  most  en- 
couraging  Holiday    business. 


ELIZABETH  SPENCER 

ALTHOUGH  Elizabeth  Spencer's  voice  is  known 
L  and  admired  by  thousands  of  Edison  enthusiasts 
there  are  probably  very  few  who  know  that  she  is 
the  daughter  of  William  Gilpin,  who  was  Governor  of 
Colorado  and  a  prominent  man  in  that  State.  Miss 
Spencer  was  born  in  St.  Louis,  but  has  spent  the  greater 
part  of  her  time  in  Denver.  After  studying  under 
Bouhy  in  Paris,  Miss  Spencer  embarked  upon  the  pro- 
fessional career  which  has  proven  such  a  success.  She 
has  toured  the  country  in  musical  comedies,  has  played 
at  the  Majestic  and  Keith  and  Proctor's  in  New  York, 
has  also  appeared  in  stock  companies  at  San  Francisco 
and  has  toured  the  Orpheum  circuit.  She  also  has  two 
sisters  upon  the  stage — a  fact  which  indicates  that  she 
comes  of  an  artistic  family. 

Miss  Spencer's  greatest  interest  for  us  lies  in  her 
superb  voice,  which  is  unquestionably  one  of  the  purest 
and  sweetest  sopranos  which  the  phonograph  has  re- 
corded. To  the  rare  quality  of  her  voice  Miss  Spencer 
adds  a  wonderful  technique,  singing  with  perfect  poise 
and  ease  under  all  conditions.  Never  does  she  seem  to 
be  making  the  slightest  effort,  but  the  superb  tones 
glide  easily  forth  in  rich  and  mellow  harmony. 

RECORDS  BY  ELIZABETH  SPENCER 
2070    Adele 

1552     Are  You  Going  to  Dance?  (with  Irving  Gillette) 
2383     Baby  Mine 
2140     Be  My  Little  Baby  Bumble  Bee  (with  Walter 

Van  Brunt) 
2062     Calm  as  the  Night  (with  Fredk.  J.  Wheeler) 
1825     Ciribiribin 
2066     Come  on  Over  Here  (with  Billy  Murrav) 

1609  Don't  Turn  My  Picture  to  the  Wall  (with  Walter 

Van  Brunt) 

1850     Dream  Faces  (with  Chorus) 

1779     Happy  Days 

1734     Here's  to  Love 

1838  I  Love  You,  California  (with  Knickerbocker 
Quartet) 

1831  I  Would  That  My  Love  (with  E.  Eleanor  Pat- 
terson) 

2164     Just  Because  It's  You 

2146     Kerry  Dance 

2085     Lieber  Augustin 

1757     Little  Boy  Blue 

1530     Little  Girl  at  Home  (with  Harvey  Hindermeyer) 

2370     Looking  this  Way  (with  E.  Eleanor  Patterson) 

1992     My  Beautiful  Lady 

1781     My  Hero   (with  Chorus) 

1567     One  Heart  Divine  (with  Irving  Gillette) 

1525     Rosary,  The  (with  Knickerbocker  Quartet) 

1610  Say  Not  Love  is  a  Dream 

1606     Silent  Night  (with  John  Young  and  Fredk.  J. 

Wheeler) 
2459     Since  I  Am  Your  Auntie-to-Be  (with  Walter  Van 

Brunt) 

2453  Somewhere    a    Voice    is    Calling    (with    Vernon 

Archibald) 

2454  Love's  Dream  After  the  Ball 

2261     Song  of  the  Mill— The  Girl  on  the  Film 
1713     Vacant  Chair  (with  Chorus) 
1586     Weeping,  Sad  and  Lonely  (with  Chorus) 
1599     Where  the  Edelweiss  is  Blooming  (with  Irving 
Gillette) 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  OCTOBER,   1914 


177 


ANOTHER    CAR-LOT    DEALER    IN 
MASSACHUSETTS  HEARD  FROM 

THOMAS  WARDELL,  171  Central  Street,  Lowell, 
Mass.,  has  already  disposed  of  over  313,000  worth 
of  Edison  Disc  Phonographs,  so  that  the  ordering 
of  another  car-lot  is  nothing  new  with  Mr.  Wardell. 
The  above  photograph  represents  a  recent  shipment  to 
him.  As  soon  as  he  was  notified  the  car  had  arrived  in 
Lowell  a  picture  was  taken  of  it  and  then  loaded  onto 
auto-trucks  and  two-horse  drays,  with  the  following 
sign  prominently  displayed  on  each  truck: 

"EDISON  DISCPHONOGRAPHS. 
FOR  WARDELL,  LOWELL,  MASS." 
The  parade  was  made  through  the  principal  streets, 
and  the  face  of  receiving  the  shipment  liberally  adver- 
tised.     The   car-lot   included    Nos.    80,    150   and    250 
Edison  Disc  machines. 

Mr.  Wardell  has  on  hand  a  liberal  supply  of  disc 
records,  so  that  he  is  now  well  equipped  for  Holiday 
trade.  He  is  confident  the  entire  stock  will  be  sold  out, 
however,  long  before  that  time  and  another  car-lot 
needed. 

In  all  his  methods  Mr.  Wardell  is  forehanded  and  he 
rarely  overestimates  the  selling  capacity  of  his  estab- 
lishment. Mr.  A.  L.  Hiser,  who  has  been  with  Stein- 
hart  &  Sons  for  the  past  eight  years,  has  now  become 
identified  with  Mr.  Wardell  and  a  lively  campaign  is 
already  mapped  out  for  Fall. 


THE  DISC  AT  A  FUNERAL 

THE  following  incident  which  occurred  in  Fall 
River,  Mass.,  shows  how  acceptable  Edison  disc 
music  is  at  funerals. 
Mr.  W.  D.  Wilmot,  our  enterprising  dealer  there, 
writes:  "On  Wednesday,  Sept.  16th,  a  gentleman  tele- 
phoned to  ask  if  I  rented  phonographs  for  funerals.  I 
asked  for  particulars.  He  told  me  that  he  had  been 
unable  to  secure  a  quartet  for  his  wife's  funeral  to  be 


held  at  the  Brownell  St.  Baptist  Church  on  that  after- 
noon, and  would  like  to  hire  an  Edison  Disc  Phonograph. 

"I  told  him  that  I  would  be  glad  to  do  him  this  kind- 
ness without  charge,  and  that  I  myself  would  come  to 
the  church  and  operate  the  instrument. 

"We  placed  the  Edison  Disc  Phonograph  in  the  gal- 
lery, at  the  rear  of  the  church,  where  no  one  could  see 
either  it  or  myself.  I  played  No.  80064,  'Beautiful  Isle 
of  Somewhere,'  and  both  sides  of  No.  80127,  'Lead, 
Kindly  Light,'  and  'One  Sweetly  Solemn  Thought.' 

"The  officiating  clergyman  has  since  called  twice  at 
my  store  to  emphasize  his  approval  of  the  innovation, 
while  the  husband,  Mr.  Brown,  has  also  called  twice  to 
thank  me,  and  to  say  how  many  expressions  of  appre- 
ciation of  the  music  he  has  heard. 

"Today  he  published  'Card  of  Thanks'  in  the  Fall 
River  Daily  News.  Two  leading  local  clergymen  spoke 
to  me  approvingly  today  concerning  it." 


A    SEVERE    TEST     FOR 
DISC  RECORD 


EDISON 


THE  Butler  Music  Company,  Marion,  Indi- 
ana, writes: — "Smoke  and  water  damaged  our 
stock,  fixtures  and  current  business  recently 
to  the  extent  of  #4,000.  This  was  completely  cover- 
ed by  insurance.  Of  course,  the  insurance  adjust- 
ment cut  this  amount  considerably.  All  of  the 
pianos  and  phonographs  were  removed  before  they 
were  reached  by  water,  but  many  were  scratched 
and  marred  in  the  hurried  removal  from  the  build- 
ing. Especially  was  the  damage  great  in  the  talking- 
machine  department.  A  large  part  of  our  recod 
stock  was  badly  damaged.  It  is  a  significant  fact* 
however,  that  even  throwing  of  Edison  disc  records  did 
not  damage  them  greatly  if  at  all.  So  much  cannot  be 
said  of  our  other  records.  We  had  an  Edison  disc 
in  the  3250  size  and  one  in  the  3150  model  which 
were  a  little  scratched. 


178 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  OCTOBER,  1914 


MORE  EDISON  DISC  ENTHUSIASTS 

THE  Rev.  Dr.  Fields  Hermance,  Pastor  of  a 
Methodist  Church  at  Irvington-on-the-Hudson, 
after  hearing  the  new  Edison  Disc  play  at  the 
house  of  a  friend,  was  so  impressed  with  the  life-like 
tone  and  so  amazed  that  a  machine  could  reproduce 
the  tone  of  voice  and  instrument  in  such  natural  qual- 
ity, that  he  made  it  the  subject  of  a  sermon  to  his 
congregation,  and  advised  them  to  take  the  first  oppor- 
tunity to  hear  it.  To  Quackenbush  &  Co.,  Edison 
dealers  at  Paterson,  N.  J.,  is  due  this  information. 


INDISPENSABLE 

"I  have  in  my  home  a  New  Edison  Disc  machine. 
I  think  it  the  most  wonderful  tone  reproducer  in  the 
world,  and  if  Mr.  Edison  knew  the  pleasure  that  this 
machine  has  brought  into  our  home,  or  into  any  home 
it  may  be  placed  in,  he  would  be  repaid  to  some  extent 
for  the  result  of  his  wonderful  efforts." — C.  J.  Ragatz, 
Cashier,  Potosi  State  Bank,  Potosi,  Wis. 


FAR  SUPERIOR;   ITS  TONE  VERY  FINE 
"We  are  very  much  pleased  with  the  Edison  Disc 

in  every  way.     It  is  superior  to  any   other   disc. 

Its  tone-reproducing  features  are  very  fine,  distinct 

and     clear." — E.     H.     Addison,     Attorney-at-Law, 

Nevada,  Iowa. 


TONES  WITH  NO  TRACE  OF  HARSHNESS 

"The  tones  are  pure,  full,  mellow  tones,  with  no 
trace  of  harshness,  and  the  records  are  reproduced 
with  especially  pleasing  effect." — C.  D.  Busby,  M.D., 
Brooklyn,  Iowa. 


SPLENDID  SATISFACTION 
"The  Edison  Disc  is  giving  splendid  satisfaction. 
The  children  all  like  it.     I  consider  it  a  very  good 
investment." — W.     G.     Bradstetter,     Supt.     Dexter 
Public  Schools,  Dexter,  Iowa. 


REAL  MUSIC 
"We  consider  the  Edison  Disc  the  nearest  ap- 
proach to  real  music  of  any  thing  we  have  ever 
heard." — Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  M.  Galusha,  Des  Moines, 
Iowa. 


MORE  THAN  PLEASED  WITH  THE  BEAUTI- 
FUL TONE 

"I  am  more  than  pleased  with  the  instrument  and 
especially  with  the  beautiful  tone." — W.  W.  Lavely, 
Corning,  Iowa. 


AS  A  TONE  REPRODUCER  IT  HAS  NO 
COMPETITOR 

"I  have  listened  to  all  the  other  instruments, 
some  of  which  are  wonderful  tone  producers;  I  have 
compared  them  side  by  side,  and  know  that  I  am 
justified  in  saying  the  Edison  Disc  Phonograph 
as  a  tone  reproducer  has  no  competitor;  there  is  no 
other  instrument  in  the  same  class." — T.  J.  Foster, 
Vice-President  of  the  First  National  Bank,  Guthrie 
Center,  Iowa. 


INCOMPARABLE 

"As  a  tone-reproducing  instrument  the  Edison 
Disc  is  incomparable.  I  own  one  and  do  not  want 
anything  better." — Mrs.  M.  L.  Walker,  Des  Moines, 
Iowa. 


EXCELS  ALL  OTHERS;  TONE  PERFECT 
"The  Edison  Disc  is  giving  me  most  complete 
satisfaction.  I  consider  the  tone  reproduction  per- 
fect and  that  this  particular  instrument  excels  that 
of  any  other  in  the  world." — L.  E.  Francis  of  Francis 
and  Owen,  Attorneys  and  Counselor s-at-Law ,  Spirit 
Lake,  Iowa. 


REPRODUCES  THE  HUMAN  VOICE  SO 
PERFECTLY 

"I  am  glad  to  say  I  have  never  heard  any  other 
instrument  which  reproduces  the  human  voice  or 
tones  of  musical  instruments  so  perfectly." — Mrs. 
Angie  Volieau,  Grinnell,  Iowa. 


A  REMARKABLE  INSTRUMENT 
"We  are  very  much  pleased  with  the  Edison  Disc. 
It  is  a  remarkable  reproducing  instrument,  the  best 
ever  invented." — /.  77.  Sellers,  Cherokee,  Iowa. 


UNEQUALED  FOR  EXACT  REPRODUCTION 
OF  THE  ORIGINAL 

"In  its  exactness  of  reproducing  the  tone  of  the 
original  it  can  not  be  equaled.  It  is  surely  the  best 
instrument  on  the  market  to-day.  Surely  it  is  one 
of  the  luxuries  of  life,  to  have  the  pleasure  of  hearing 
such  fine  music  and  talent  right  in  the  home." — 
Ralph  C.  Seager,  Marion,  Iowa. 


PERFECT  AND   WONDERFUL  THINGS 
EXPECTED  FROM  EDISON: 

"It  seems  to  me  that  the  New  Edison  Disc  could 
not  be  improved  upon.  As  a  tone-producing  instru- 
ment it  is  perfection  itself.  We  are  not  surprised, 
for  we  have  learned  to  expect  wonderful  things  from 
Mr.  Edison." — A.  S.  Gilbert,  Des  Moines,  Iowa. 


UNEQUALED 

"It  is  certainly  a  great  privilege  given  me  to 
express  our  appreciation  of  the  Edison  Disc  Phono- 
graph we  have  had  the  pleasure  of  using  for  the 
past  few  months.  It  affords  us  entertainment  in 
our  home  unequaled  by  any  other  musical  instru- 
ment, for  it  reproduces  voices  and  tones  that  we 
would  never  be  able  to  hear  otherwise." — F.  R. 
McClellan,  Des  Moines,  Iowa. 


A  GREAT  MEDIUM  FOR  MUSICAL 
EDUCATION 

"We  found  by  comparison  the  Edison  Disc  ma- 
chine far  superior  as  a  tone  reproducer,  and  want  you 
to  know  we  are  greatly  pleased  with  it  as  it  brings 
into  our  home  the  highest  quality  of  talent  obtain- 
able. We  consider  this  instrument  one  of  the  great- 
est mediums  in  the  development  of  musical  educa- 
tion, for  it  places  the  proper  rendition  of  a  piece 
before  many  who  would  not  otherwise  have  an 
opportunity  to  hear  these  most  talented  singers, 
thereby  giving  them  a  higher  ideal." — Mrs.  Charles 
F.  Smith,  Des  Moines,  Iowa. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  OCTOBER  1914 


179 


SPEPHENSON  PUBLIC  LIBRARY 

THE  EDISON  DISC  IN  CHIL- 
DREN'S EDUCATION 

THE  Stephenson  Public  Library,  Marinette, 
Wisconsin,  (of  which  we  give  a  photograph), 
has  instituted  a  commendable  course  of  Chil- 
dren's Concerts.  The  object  is  to  cultivate  a  taste 
for  the  better  class  of  music,  and  the  avidity  with 
which  the  children  listen  and  call  for  more  records 
is  most  assuring  to  the  enterprising  Librarian,  Miss 
Ada  J.  McCarthy,  and  others,  who  have  under- 
taken this  special  feature  of  library  work. 

The  Children's  Room  is  downstairs  in  this  beau- 
tiful modern  building,  so  that  there  is  no  distur- 
bance to  those  who  patronize  the  library  for  reading 
or  research.  The  Edison  machine  in  use  is  an 
A-80  and  in  connection  with  it  a  special  record  cab- 
inet is  available  both  the  gift  of  the  Dickens  Club 
of  Marinette.  Not  only  the  children  but  the  adults 
have  found  the  disc  a  most  enjoyable  means  of  ac- 
quainting themselves  with  some  of  the  latest  and 
best  music. 

The  Librarian  writes: — "Of  course  we  haven't 
many  records  as  yet — only  20 — so  the  children 
haven't  a  wide  range  to  choose  from.  But  of  these, 
we  think  that  they  like  "Anvil  Chorus"  from  II 
Trovatore,  and  the  "Lullaby"  from  Erminie,  best. 
They  also  like  "Officer  of  Day"  because  the  local 
band  plays  it  and,  of  course,  children  like  band 
pieces.  But  our  object  is  to  cultivate  a  taste  for 
better  music  as  our  children  here  never  hear  any- 
thing that  is  realy  good.  By  fall  we  hope  to  have 
many  more  records  and  begin  regular  concerts." 

"We  had  our  choice  between  an  Edison  disc  and 

a and  are  glad  every  day  that  we  chose  the 

Edison  disc.  I  think  its  superiority  is  shown  parti- 
cularly in  the  piano  selections.  I  do  hope  you  will 
have  some  more  piano  records  very  soon.  I  want 
to  thank  Mr.  Edison  on  behalf  of  the  children  for 
his  wonderful  invention.  It  is  giving  so  much 
pleasure  to  our  people  here,  and  the  children  espe- 
cially find  it  a  drawing  card." 

Here  is  a  profitable  field  for  jobbers  and  dealers 
to  work.  The  advertising  advantages  of  an  Edison 
disc  when  placed  in  a  Public  Library  is  great. 


MULTUM  IN  PARVO  DISC 
STATEMENT 

WITH  a  view  to  suggesting  either  for  corre- 
spondence or  for  advertising  purposes,  short 
pithy  statements  about  the  Disc,  we  append 
the  following:  As  a  part  of  a  letter  urging  the  pur- 
chase of  an  Edison  Disc  some  of  these  statements 
will  work  in  effectively  and  express  in  few  words 
what  one  would  not  be  apt  to  explain  in  a  lengthy 
letter.  The  verse-like  arrangement — "line  upon 
line"  invites  reading  and  would  prove  attractive  in 
a  letter  or  an  advertisement. 

WHEN  YOU  BUY  EDISON 
DIAMOND  DISC  PHONOGRAPHS 

You  buy — Real    musical    tone,    not    metallic    half- 
sounds. 

The  means  to  enjoy  every  kind  of  music. 

Relief  from  needle  troubles. 
You  buy — records  enriched  by  over- tones  never  be- 
fore registered. 

Records  that  are  never  worn  by  playing. 

Records  in  which  the  music  is  never  dis- 
torted. 

Records  that  cannot  be  broken. 

You  buy — A  reproducer  that  is  never  changed. 

A    reproducer    that    never    wears     the 

record. 
A  reproducer  that  is   never  worn,   as   a 

needle. 
A  reproducer  that  brings  out  all  the  rich, 
warm  beauty  of  the  music. 

You  buy — A  new  motor  of  constant  speed  and  pitch. 
Longest  playing  record. 
Greatest  volume  of  sweet  sound. 
Mechanical  perfection  in  every  detail. 

You  buy — Wide  variety  in  design  and  woods. 
Wide  variety  in  price. 


THE  High  School  of  Iowa  City,  Iowa,  recently 
acquired    an     Edison     Diamond     Disc    (3250 
model).    J.  H.  Sunier,  our  enterprising  dealer 
there  put  through  the  deal.    They  are  delighted! 

The  average  church  choir  says:  "It's  too  hot  to 
sing" — consequently  most  churches  have  to  dis- 
pense with  music  on  warm  Sunday  evenings.  Here's 
a  tip  that  puts  one  over  on  Billy  Sunday.  Go  to  the 
local  ministers  and  suggest  for  next  Sunday  night, 
this  service! 

1.  An  Opening  Prayer 

2.  Short  Scripture  Reading 

3.  "Lead  Kindly  Light" — Edison  Disc 

4.  One  Sweetly  Solemn  Thought — Edison    Disc 

5.  "Nearer  My  God  to  Thee" — Edison  Disc 

6.  "Close  to  Thee"— Edison  Disc,  and  a  few 
other  sacred  selections.     It  will  make  a  big  hit. 


180 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  OCTOBER,  1914 


EXPLANATORY   TALK    DESCRIP- 
TIVE OF  SINGLE  FACED  DISC 
RECORD  No.  83014 

After  having  given  to  the  world  his  wonderful 
opera  "Aida,"  Verdi  rested  on  his  laurels  for  over 
sixteen  years,  and  then,  at  the  age  of  seventy-four, 
when  most  men  would  have  considered  their  life 
work  finished — he  suddenly  astonished  the  public 
with  the  magnificent  opera  of  "Othello,"  a  music 
drama  which  alone  would  have  made  him  immortal. 

Verdi's  style  was  constantly  changing  during  his 
lifetime,  and  much  of  the  simple  tunefulness  of  his 
earlier  operas,  such  as  "II  Trovatore,"  "La  Tra- 
viata"  and  "Rigoletto"  was  sacrificed  in  his  later 
works  for  the  deeper  dramatic  meanings  that  he 
strove  to  express.  Vincent  Blackburn,  the  noted 
musical  writer  and  critic,  says  of  "Othello," — 
The  step  from  'II  Trovatore'  to  'Othello'  has 
no  parallel  in  the  history  of  music.  It  is  a  develop- 
ment outside  all  law,  all  anticipation,  all  likelihood. 
For  not  as  he  sowed  did  Verdi  reap;  rather  some 
of  the  fruit  of  the  seed  that  Wagner  scattered  Verdi 
harvested  and  gathered  into  beautiful  garners." 
Even  "Aida"  shows  something  of  the  influence 
of  Wagner  and  "Othello"  certainly  does. 

The  story  of  "Othello"  follows  quite  closely  the 
famous  play  of  the  same  name  by  Shakespeare. 
It  tells  the  tragic  story  of  Othello,  the  Moor  of  Venice, 
who  smothers  his  beautiful  bride  Desdemona  in  her 
bed  with  a  pillow,  because  of  unfounded  jealousy. 

The  scene  given  on  this  record  is  exceptionally 
dramatic.  It  is  the  opening  of  act  four.  We  see 
the  unhappy  Desdemona's  bedroom,  containing  a 
bed,  a  large  mirror,  an  image  of  the  Madonna, 
before  which  hangs  a  lamp  and  a  table  with  a 
lighted  candle.  It  is  the  night  Desdemona  is  mur- 
dered. She  is  retiring  to  bed  attended  by  her  maid 
Emilia.  Full  of  vague,  shadowy  fears,  she  says  to 
her  maid  sadly,  "Emilia,  let  me  ask  you  before  you 
go.  Lay  on  my  bed  the  same  sheets  that  were 
there  on  my  wedding  night.  If  haply,  I  should  die 
before  thee,  Emilia,  let  me  be  shrouded  in  one  of 
those  sheets — I'm  sad  tonight  and  weary."  (She 
sits  down  mechanically  before  the  mirror,  arranging 
her  hair  and  continues):  "My  mother,  long,  long 
ago,  had  a  maid — like  you  Emilia,  as  fair  as  she 
was  faithful  and  her  name  was  Barbara.  She  was 
in  love  and  he  whom  she  loved  proved  mad  and 
lastly  did  forsake  her.  She  had  a  little  song  of 
the  'Willow  Tree.'  Loose  my  hair,  Emilia — that 
song  this  evening  will  not  leave  me.  Like  that 
poor  maiden,  I  e'en  must  sing  it." 

It  is  at  this  point  the  record  starts.  We  hear 
the  short  orchestral  prelude  and  then  follows  the 
famous  "Willow  Song,"  that  plaintive  melody  of 
hopeless  love  the  little  maid  Barbara  sang  for  her 
mad  lover.    Desdemona  sings  with  a  premonition  of 


herown  hapless  fate,  while  Emilia  listens  admiringly. 
The  song  over,  Desdemona  dismisses  her  maid  and 
is  left  alone.  After  a  moment  she  kneels  before 
the  Madonna  and  sings  her  "Ave  Maria,"  ending 
with  a  pathetic  prayer  for  herself,  that  her  God  may 
watch  over  her  and  keep  her  from  harm.  The 
words  of  little  Barbara  in  her  "Willow  Song,"  "To 
love  him  and  to  die,"  still  fill  her  mind,  as  she  lies 
down  upon  the  bed  from  which  she  is  destined 
never  to  rise,  and  falls  asleep. 


W 


THE  EDISON  DISC  "SPEAKS   FOR 
ITSELF" 

E  have  prepared  to  exploit  the  new  Edison 
Disc    Phonograph,    a    special    disc    record, 
which,   when   placed  on   the   machine   says 
in  a  deep,  powerful  voice: — 

If  you  are  a  close  observer  you  have  already  noticed  that 
the  Edison  Disc  Phonograph  requires  no  change  of  needles. 

The  reproducer  point  is  a  genuine  diamond,  carefully  selected, 
polished  and  fitted.     It  is  never  changed. 

In  1878,  Mr.  Edison  invented  and  patented  the  first  disc 
Phonograph  ever  made,  but  this  instrument  before  you  is  the 
finest  disc  Phonograph  he  has  ever  permitted  to  be  offered 
to  the  public  in  his  name.  It  represents  thirty-four  years  of 
personal  investigation  and  experimentation  by  Mr.  Edison,  and 
probably  marks  the  limit  in  human  achievement  in  recording 
and  reproducing  sound. 

In  designing  the  reproducer  for  this  instrument,  Mr.  Edison 
constructed  and  tested  over  two  thousand  different  models. 

The  material  used  in  the  record  was  selected  with  equal 
care.  It  is  entirely  new  material  possessing  properties  which 
have  a  very  great  part  in  the  excellence  of  the  reproduction. 

The  motor  is  many  times  stronger  and  more  costly  than 
any  other  motor,  with  the  result  that  the  beautiful  tone  quali- 
ties of  the  instrument  are  perfectly  sustained  at  all  times. 

Mr.  Edison  has  conducted  a  series  of  exhaustive  acoustical 
experiments  which  have  resulted  in  new  methods  of  sound 
recording  entirely  unknown  to  other  manufacturers  and  very 
much  superior  to  their  methods. 

As  you  listen  to  the  reproduction  of  music  by  this  instrument 
you  will  notice  that  all  of  the  overtones  of  tone  colors  are 
recorded  and  faithfully  reproduced.  Other  sound  reproducing 
instruments  are  not  capable  of  this,  with  the  result  that  their 
reproduction  consists  of  the  fundamental  tone  and  a  more  or 
less  distorted  and  intermittent  reproduction  of  merely  one  or 
two  of  the  overtones.  Other  records  compared  with  the  Edison 
record  is  like  an  outline  drawing  without  color,  shading  or 
detail  compared  to  a  finish  painting  with  all  the  planes,  tones, 
and  perspective.  For  the  first  time  there  is  a  sound  reproduc- 
ing instrument  which  truly  reproduces  music  and  does  not 
distort  it. 

The  musical  volume  of  this  instrument  is  very  much  greater 
than  that  of  any  other.  The  so-called  volume  of  other  talking 
machines  is  a  series  of  loud,  false  vibrations  produced  by  im- 
proper methods  of  recording  and  reproducing. 

Inasmuch  as  this  instrument  is  capable  of  a  real  interpreta- 
tion of  music,  Mr.  Edison  intends  to  make  it  the  means  of 
offering  all  of  the  world's  finest  music  (to  the  American  people. 
From  month  to  month  he  will  present-purposeful  programs  of 
music  including  the  works  of  the  great  composers,  a  revival 
of  English  and  ballad  opera,  historic  lyrics,  a  review  of 
the  music  of  the  nations,  gems  of  grand  opera,  the  fine  old 
songs  so  aptly  called  "heart  songs,"  the  best  musical  numbers 
from  modern  light  opera  successes,  and  all  of  the  contemporary 
popular  music.  The  artists  who  make  records  for  the  Edison 
Disc  Phonographs  are  chosen  with  the  greatest  care.  They 
are  judged  by  the  standards  which  prevail  in  the  musical 
centres  of  Europe  and  include  the  finest  voices  in  the  world. 
In  selecting  artists  we  disregard  the  bombastic  claims  of  hired 
press  agents,  the  illusions  of  stage  settings  and  trappery,  or 
the  charm  of  stage  presence.  We  select  only  those  singers 
whose  art  is  so  great  that  the  full  measure  of  their  power  is 
felt  without  seeing  them — artists  whose  voices  abound  with  a 
wealth  of  color,  feeling  and  expression. 

Realizing  that  the  Edison  Disc  Phonograph  is  an  instrument 
that  will  appeal  to  the  most  highly  cultured  people,  we  offer 
in  the  design  of  our  instrument  pure  tVDes  of  the  following 
schools,  of  furniture,  ADAM,  JACOBEAN,  SHERATON, 
LOUIS  XV,  and  LOUIS  XVI.,  in  addition  to  a  well  considered 
type  of  MODERN  RENAISSANCE  suited  to  a  mixed  scheme 
of  furnishings. 

Now,  if  you  will  permit  this  instrument  to  play  a  record 
selected  by  you,  it  will  more  than  prove  all  of  the  statements 
I  have  made- 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  OCTOBER,  1914 


181 


THE    DEALER   AND  THE  JOBBER'S 

TRAVELING  REPRESENTATIVES: 

HOW  THEY  CAN  CO-OPERATE 

By  W.  P.  Hope 
Manager  Phonograph  Co.  of  Kansas  City,  Mo. 

WE  have  been  given  three  subjects  to  pick  from 
for  this  article,  and  as  it  happened  we  feel  just 
like  "home  folks"   with  the  first: — "How   the 
Dealer     and     Jobber's     traveling     representative     can 
co-operate." 

It  has  always  been  the  belief  of  the  writer  that  a 
talking  machine  representative  on  the  road,  whether 
he  be  from  Jobber  or  Manufacturer,  should  consider 
it  his  duty  to  help  a  dealer  in  every  possible  way — 
of  course  the  house  wants  to  see  results  in  the  way  of 
orders  coming  in  from  their  men,  and  the  Dealer  should 
bear  this  in  mind  and  anticipate  his  demands  far 
enough  ahead  to  be  able  to  give  the  traveling  man  a 
nice  order: — if  he  is  a  good  live  dealer  he  no  doubt 
has  stock  enough  for  the  day  the  salesman  is  there, 
and  of  course  he  can  say,  "Well,  you  can  see  I'm  well 
stocked,"  but  why  not  make  the  salesman  happy  by 
continuing  with  the  words,  "however,  I'm  going  to 
give  you  an  order,"  the  writer  believes  this  sentence 
as  sweet  as  "Enclosed  please  find  check," — he  can 
then  make  up  an  order  for  machines  and  records  that 
it  is  a  "cinch"  he  will  be  ordering  within  the  next  few 
weeks — after  the  salesman  has  gone  on  his  way,  and 
is  working  hard  to  sell  Victor  Shadle  at  Goblers  Knob 


and  a  half  dozen  rubber  connections  and  2  Home  Feed 
Nuts. 

You  can  just  imagine  what  a  pleasnant  feeling  creeps 
over  a  poor  lost  soul  when  he  comes  in  after  a  month's 
trip  or  more  and  happens  to  notice  an  order  lying  on 
the  boss's  desk  from  the  above-mentioned  dealer  for  an 
each  Amberola  V  and  VI,  and  one  each  A150  and  A250 
Mahogany  together  with  85  Cylinder  and  54  Disc 
Records — and  he  was  just  there  two  weeks  ago.  Do 
you  think  this  "Knight  of  the  Grip"  will  feel  much 
like  going  out  to  the  edge  of  town  and  helping  Mr. 
Dealer  land  the  sale  of  a  Fumed  Oak  A200  the  next 
time  he  drops  off  No.  105  at  "The  Knob"? — Not  Much. 

On  the  other  hand,  when  a  dealer  "listens  to  reason" 
and  hands  out  an  order,  the  salesman  should  then  say, 
"Now,  how  'bout  some  prospects  for  you;  have  you 
got  some  bank  president  who  is  stalling  you  off  on  the 
purchase  of  an  A250?  Can't  I  go  down  there  with 
you?  Maybe  there  are  some  questions  he  overlooked 
and  I  may  be  able  to  hand  him  a  'line  of  lingo'  that 
will  cause  him  to  loosen." 

Also,  if  he  has  a  machine  in  stock  that  "don't  work 
just  right,"  take  a  look  at  it  and  shed  your  coat,  roll 
up  your  sleeves  if  necessary  and  do  a  little  adjusting, 
if  you  take  the  tremble  out  or  soak  the  belt  in  gasoline 
and  get  the  old  oil  out  of  it  so  it  won't  slip  or  some- 
thing of  that  kind — you'll  make  an  awful  hit  with  old 
boy  Dealer — he  may  save  up  two  or  three  for  you 
next  trip,  but  he'll  have  an  order  too  and  that's  the 
main  chance. 


BLUE  AMBEROL  LIST  FOR  NOVEMBER 

REGULAR  LIST 

50  cents  each  in  the  United  States;  65  cents  each  in  Canada 

vVhen  It's  Night  Time  Down  in  Burgundy,  Paley,  Contralto  and  tenor     Helen  Clark  and  Walter  Van  Brunt 
God  Save  the  King,  Band  and  baritone  National  Military  Band  and  Peter  Dawson 


2437 
2438 
2439 
2443 
2445 
2446 
2447 
2448 
2449 
2450 
2451 
2452 
2453 
2454 
2455 
2456 
2457 
2458 
2459 

2460 


La  Marseillaise 

Die  Wacht  am  Rhein 

Tickle  Toes  One-Step,  Penn.  For  dancing 

First  Love — Waltz  Hesitation,  Holzmann,  For  dancing 

Massa's  in  de  Cold,  Cold  Ground,  Foster,  Mixed  voices 

Roll  Them  Cotton  Bales,  Johnson,  Male  voices 

Let's  Grow  Old  Together,  Honey,  McDonald,  McKeon  and  Walker,  Tenor 

Sweet  Spirit,  Hear  My  Prayer — Lurlinc,  Wallace,  Soprano 

Navajo  Indian  Songs,  Baritone 

Love's  Sorrow,  Shelley,  Tenor 

Somewhere  a  Voice  is  Calling,  Tate,  Soprano  and  baritone 

Love's  Dream  After  the  Ball,  Czibulka,  Soprano 

Meet  Me  'Neath  the  Persian  Moon,  Friedland,  Tenor 

My  Croony  Melody,  Goetz  and  Goodwin 

In  the  Evening  by  the  Moonlight,  Dear  Louise,  H.  von  Til 

Humpty  Dumpty  Rag,  Straight 

Since  I  Am  Your  Auntie  to  Be 


New  York  Military  Band 

Edison  Concert  Band 

National  Promenade  Band 

National  Promenade  Band 

Metropolitan  Quartet 

Premier  Quartet 

Manuel  Romain 

Marie  Narelle  and  Chorus 

Geoffrey  O'Hara 

Emory  B.  Randolph 

Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Vernon  Archibald 

Elizabeth  Spencer 

Walter  Van  Brunt 

Arthur  Collins  and  Byron  G.  Harlan 

Teno'         Harvey  Hindermeyer  and  Chorus 


New  York  Military  Band 
The  Midnight  Girl,  Briquet  and  Philipp,  Soprano  and  tenor 

Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Walter  Van  Brunt 
Dreams  of  the  Prisoner,  Jungmann  American  Standard  Orchestra 


182 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  OCTOBER,  1914 


PHONOGRAPH  CO.,  MISSOURI,  1012  GRAND  AVENUE,  KANSAS  CITY 


V^4 


7  **^T3s&&&b* 


fsWRS&J 


THE  EDISON  CONCERT  ROOM— PHONOGRAPH  CO.  OF  MISSOURI 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  OCTOBER,  1914 


183 


WHO'S   WHO  AMONG   EDISON   JOBBERS 

TENTH  ARTICLE 


THE   PHONOGRAPH  CO.  OF   KANSAS 

CITY,  MISSOURI 

Exclusive  Edison  Distributors — Disc  and  Cylinder 

Salesrooms  and  Offices — 1012  Grand  Avenue 
W.  P.  Hope,  Manager 


IN  many  respects  the  Phonograph  Company  of 
Kansas  City  is  without  a  peer  in  the  southwest. 
The  spacious  quarters  at  1012  Grand  Avenue  have 
been  fitted  up  with  unusual  care  and  taste  in  every 
detail.  They  will  serve  both  the  wholesale  and  retail 
interests  and  are  unquestionably  the  most  attractive 
establishment  of  the  kind  west  of  Chicago.  Cost  in 
fitting  out  the  headquarters  were  of  secondary  con- 
sideration and  the  result  has  been  a  happy  mixture  of 
luxuriousness,  comfort  and  good  taste,  that  has  won 
the  admiration  of  all  who  have  had  occasion  to  call 
there. 

With  the  help  of  expert  architects,  Mr.  Hope,  the 
able  manager,  has  arranged  not  only  ample  space  for 
office  quarters,  but  also  a  miniature  concert  hall  on 
the  ground  floor;  in  fact,  this  is  a  complete  theatre 
with  proper  lighting  facilities,  stage  and  other  adjuncts. 
Concerts  are  given  daily,  an  attractive  young  lady 
operating  the  Edison  Disc  Phonograph. 

As  will  be  seen  by  the  accompanying  illustration  this 
Concert  Hall  is  beautifully  fitted  out  with  wicker 
chairs,  where  the  audience  may  listen  to  the  disc  away 
from  the  noise  of  the  street.  Double  plate  glass  was 
used  in  all  doors  and  windows  and  everything  done  to 
make  the  Hall  practically  sound-proof.  Seven  other 
demonstration  rooms  are  available.  They  are  con- 
structed along  the  same  principles  as  the  concert  hall, 
all  sound-proof  and  handsomely  furnished.  Desks  for 
women  patrons,  free  telephone  service,  complete  lines 
of  both  disc  and  cylinder  instruments  and  a  full  assort- 
ment of  the  latest  music  are  features  of  the  new  store. 

A  color  scheme  of  silver-gray  was  closely  followed. 
All  woodwork  is  of  fine  quartered  white  oak.  Desks, 
chairs  and  fixtures  are  of  the  same  silver  gray,  while 
the  rugs  also  continue  the  color  scheme.  The  decora- 
tions on  the  wall  are  chaste  and  harmonious,  the  work 
of  the  best  decorators. 

Exteriorly  the  store  presents  a  very  handsome  ap- 
pearance. The  plate  glass  window  measures  12  x  17 
feet,  and  is  the  largest  in  tow        ^he  walls  on  the  right 


of  the  entrance  way  are  of  verde  antique  marble,  with 
gold  bronze  tablet,  "The  Edison  Shop."  The  view 
through  this  large  plate  glass  window  shows  the  en- 
trance to  the  Concert  Hall  in  the  background,  the 
aisleway  running  back  to  the  office  and  the  seven 
demonstration  booths  in  the  rear. 

A  lease  of  the  building  was  obtained  the  middle  of 
January  this  year,  and  plans  were  immediately  started 
for  the  new  store.  The  Wholesale  Department  was 
gotten  ready  first  and  the  stock  began  to  arrive  early 
in  March.  By  the  middle  of  March  business  had 
started  with  the  dealers — there  was  some  delay  in 
furnishing  the  retail  store,  and  business  did  not  start 
here  till  May  2d.  A  very  successful  opening  was  held 
on  that  date,  the  first  machine  sale  was  for  cash— an 
A200,  and  was  made  by  Miss  Jeanette  Poynter. 

The  wholesale  end  of  the  business  occupies  the  base- 
ment, which  is  light  and  airy,  and  has  a  rear  shipping 
entrance  on  another  avenue.  The  territory  covered 
comprises  western  Missouri,  Kansas,  Oklahoma,  Arkan- 
sas and  west  to  Colorado.  In  this  territory  a  limited 
number  of  dealers  will  be  placed  to  prevent  over- 
crowding. 

The  Manager,  W.  P.  Hope,  has  been  in  the  employ 
of  the  Edison  Company  for  the  past  ten  years,  the 
surrounding  territory  being  the  first  field  assigned  to 
him.  Missouri,  Kansas,  Arkansas,  Oklahoma  and  the 
Indian  Territory  also  were  under  his  care.  Another 
two  years  was  spent  by  Mr.  Hope  for  the  Edison  Com- 
pany in  Wisconsin,  North  and  South  Dakota  and 
northern  Michigan.  Then,  still  later,  Manitoba,  Sas- 
katchewan, Alberta,  British  Columbia  and  Ontario 
were  traversed  by  him.  So  that  Mr.  Hope  comes  to 
his  new  undertaking  with  years  of  valuable  experience 
in  the  Edison  line  and  knows  just  what  the  dealers 
expect. 

Already  great  success  has  attended  the  undertaking 
the  past  months  and  the  outlook  for  fall  promises  to 
eclipse  anything  ever  realized  in  the  Southwest. 


184 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  OCTOBER,  1914 


EDISON  ARTISTS 

IN  the  ranks  of  Edison  artists  may  be  found 
distinguished  representatives  of  every  branch 
of  music.  Prominent  among  the  grand  opera 
sopranos  of  international  reputation  are  Mar- 
guerita  Sylva  whose  portrayal  of  the  character  of 
Carmen  has  been  considered  equal  to  that  of  Calve; 
Carmen  Melis,  one  of  the  brightest  luminaries 
in  the  operatic  constellation  of  today;  Lucrezia 
Bori,  a  Spanish  singer  who  has  recently  made  a 
great  success  with  the  Metropolitan  Opera  Company, 
New  York  City;  Edyth  Walker,  a  dramatic  soprano 
who  has  made  especially  notable  her  rendition  of 
the  Wagnerian  roles;  Adelina  Agostinelli,  for  two 
seasons  sang  of  Hammerstein's  Manhattan  Opera 
House,  New  York;  and  Maria  Labia,  one  of  the 
leading  members  of  the  same  company. 

Among  the  sopranos  with  a  wide  European 
reputation  may  be  named,  Aino  Ackte,  credited 
with  having  one  of  the  finest  voices  of  her  kind  in 
the  world;  Celestina  Boninsegna,  who  has  sung  in 
nearly  all  the  important  cities  of  Europe  in  leading 
operatic  roles;  Paola  Koralek,  a  Hungarian  dra- 
matic soprano  of  note;  Lucette  Korsoff,  well 
known  in  France  of  which  she  is  a  native;  and 
lastly  Marie  Narelle,  who  gave  up  an  operatic 
career  of  great  promise  to  become  one  of  the  great- 
est concert  ballad  singers  of  today. 

Native  to  America  we  find  among  the  Sopranos, 
Anna  Case,  Marie  Kaiser,  Elizabeth  Spencer  and 
Agnes  Kimball,  famous  concert  singers  of  wide 
reputation,  and  so  well  known  to  Edison  owners 
as  to  need  little  introduction. 

Among  the  contraltos  of  note  are  Eleonora  De 
Cisneros  now  of  the  Chicago-Philadelphia  Opera 
Company,  whose  voice  is  known  and  loved  in  every 
musical  centre  of  the  world;  Marie  Delna,  a  favorite 
Parisian  artist  of  the  Opera  Comique;  Luisa  Gari- 
baldi, a  young  Italian  singer  who  has  triumphed 
at  the  famous  La  Scala  Theatre  in  Milan;  and 
Christine  Miller,  considered  one  of  the  best  con- 
traltos in  the  Oratorio  field  in  America. 

Foremost  among  the  world's  great  tenors  stand 
Alessandro  Bonci  upon  whom  the  public  has 
showered  adulation  and  applause  for  many  years; 
Heinrich  Knote,  one  of  the  few  great  interpreters 
of  the  Wagnerian  tenor  roles;  Heinrich  Hensel, 
who  shares  honors  with  Knote  in  the  German 
operas;  Giuseppi  Anselmi,  Umberto  Macnez, 
Giovanni  Martinelli,  and  Jacques  Urlus,  all  of 
whom  have  achieved  fame  in  Europe. 

American  tenors  are  represented  by  Orville 
Harrold,  who  after  singing  in  comic  opera  produc- 
tions, was  engaged  for  Oscar  Hammerstein's 
famous  Loncfon  Opera  House,  where  he  sang  lead- 
ing tenor  roles  with  remarkable  success;  Reed 
Miller,  who  has  sung  with  the  New  York  Symphony 
Orchestra,    the  Theodore  Thomas   Orchestra,    and 


numerous  other  prominent  organizations;  Charles 
W.  Harrison,  a  church  and  concert  soloist  of  note; 
John  Young,  who  has  appeared  with  the  leading 
choral  and  oratorio  societies  of  the  United  States 
and  Canada;  Walter  Van  Brunt,  a  popular  vaude- 
ville star;  Charles  Hackett;  Royal  Fish,  Alfred 
D.  Shaw,  Albert  Quesnel,  Harvey  Hindermeyer, 
Byron  G.  Harlan;  and  Benjamin  E.  Berry,  all 
successful  and  favorites  in  the  several  departments, 
concert,  church,  dramatic  and  phonographic  work. 

Among  the  baritones  are  such  artists  as  Thomas 
Chalmers,  whose  portrayal  of  Jack  Ranee  in  Puc- 
cini's opera  "The  Girl  of  the  Golden  West,"  had 
made  him  famous;  Giovanni  Polesi,  who  has  sung 
in  all  the  principal  theatres  of  Europe,  South 
America,  and  at  both  the  Manhattan  and  Metro- 
politan Opera  Houses  of  New  York  City;  Marcus 
Kellermann,  an  American  who  for  several  seasons 
sang  leading  roles  at  the  Berlin  Royal  Opera; 
Frank  Croxton,  of  the  Frank  Croxton  Quartet, 
one  of  the  most  famous  organizations  of  its  kind 
in  the  world;  Frederick  J.  Wheeler  and  Donald 
Chalmers,  both  well  known  on  the  concert  stage; 
Vernon  Archibald  and  Arthur  Collins,  one  of  the 
old  favorites  among  Edison  owners,  and  a  steady 
contributor  to  Edison  Record  lists. 

Leading  the  instrumental  virtuosos  in  fame  are 
Kathleen  Parlow,  acknowledged  by  the  entire 
American  and  European  press  as  the  greatest 
woman  violinist  of  all  time;  Albert  Spalding, 
whose  playing  eminent  critics  have  favorably 
compared  to  the  world's  best  virtuosos  and  who 
is  the  most  famous  as  well  as  the  youngest  of 
America's  violinists;  Charles  Daab,  whose  playing 
of  the  violin,  jigs,  reels,  etc.,  and  the  Xylophone 
and  Bells,  has  for  many  years  delighted  Edison 
owners,  also  deserves  prominent  mention. 

The  violoncellists  are  Hans  Kronold,  Paulo 
Gruppe  and  Leo  Taussig,  three  of  the  most  dis- 
tinguished players  of  the  instrument  in  the  world. 

Last  but  not  least  must  be  mentioned  Armand 
Vecsey,  whose  leading  of  his  own  Hungarian  orches- 
tra has  been  a  feature  of  many  concerts  for  a  num- 
ber of  years,  and  Billy  Golden  and  Joe  Hughes,  a 
team  of  black-face,  rapid-fire  talking  comedians, 
who  are  unique  of  their  kind. 


There's  a  big  share  of  the  world's  business  and 
goods  coming  your  way,  if  you  are  in  readiness  to 
get  them. 


Don't  fail  to  recognize  opportunity  when  she 
comes  knocking  at  your  private  door.  Be  ready 
with  the  cordial  welcome.  Bid  her  stay  and  keep 
you  company. 


The  Edison  is  by  far  the  best  phonograph  yet  made 
and  the  disc  records  are  practically  indestructible." 


r 


13*  EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH 


MONTHLY 


THE    EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH     MONTH  LY 

Published  in  the  interest  of 

EDISON  PHONOGRAPHS  AND  RECORDS 

By  THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  Inc. 
ORANGE,  N.  J.,  U.  S.  A. 

THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  LTD.,  25  CLERKENWELL  ROAD,   LONDON.  E.  C. 

THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  LTD.,  364-372  KENT  STREET,  SYDNEY,  N.  S.  W. 

COMPANIA  EDISON  HISPANO-AMERICANA,  VIAMONTE  SIS,  BUENOS  AIRES. 

EDISON  GESELLSCHAFT,  M.  B.  H.  10  FRIEDRICHSTRASSE,  BERLIN. 

COMPAGNIE  FRANCAISE  THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  59  RUE  DES  PETITES-ECURIES.  PARIS. 


Volume  XII 


NOVEMBER,  1914 


Number  11 


THE    BLUE   AMBEROL    COMPARED 
WITH  "TALKING  MACHINE"  DISCS 

WE  take  occasion  to  quote  from  Arthur  J.  Wood, 
quite  an  authority  in  England,  on  the  ad- 
vantage of  Blue  Amberols  over  other  than 
Edison  discs,  as   appeared  recently  in  "Sound  Wave:" 

"I  am,  unfortunately,  very  hard  of  hearing,  so  that 
unless  a  song  is  reproduced  with  adequate  volume,  plus 
exceptional  clearness  and  faultless  enunciation,  half 
of  my  pleasure  is  lost  in  listening  to  it. 

"Some  two  or  three  years  ago  I  owned  some  300  disc 
selections,  and  fully  one-half  of  them  were  vocals,  and 
out  of  the  whole  lot  there  were  not  more  than  half  a 
dozen  in  which  I  could  distinguish  every  word.  If  I 
caught  25  per  cent,  of  the  words  on  first  hearing  I 
thought  I  had  done  well,  but  since  I  gave  up  the 
gramophone  for  the  phonograph,  this  serious  drawback 
to  my  enjoyment  of  vocal  records  is  practically  elim- 
inated. 

"However  new  a  song  may  be  to  me,  I  have  little  or 
no  difficulty  in  catching  the  words  the  first  time,  the 
exception  being  so  few  as  to  be  quite  negligible. 

'Moreover,  I  have  heard  the  same  selections  on  a 
disc,  and  still  experienced  the  same  difficulty  in  dis- 
tinguishing the  words.  This,  I  think  must  be  admitted 
as  indubitable  evidence  of  the  superiority  of  the 
cylinder  type  in  vocal  selections.  Not  only  are  the 
words  clearer,  but  the  voices  seem  more  natural. 

'Take  Peter  Dawson's  voice,  for  example,  which  can 
be  readily  compared  on  both  types  of  records.  On  a 
disc  the  tone  quality  is  decidedly  more  baritone  than 
bass,  while  on  the  cylinder  his  true  quality  is  basso. 
There  is  a  depth  of  voice  that  is  entirely  lacking  on  all 
the  discs  I  have  heard  of  this  popular  singer.  What, 
then,  is  the  reason  of  this  remarkable  difference? 

The  Edison  Blue  Amberol  machine  has  proved  vic- 
torious in  a  great  many  contests.  It  has  been  vic- 
torious, not  only  in  many  contests,  but  in  the  majority 


of   contests.     This    may  well   seem   a   startling   state- 
ment, but  I  will  furnish  proof  of  the  same. 

"In  spite  of  the  overwhelming  vogue  of  the  disc 
machine  it  cannot  even  hold  its  own  in  open  competi- 
tion with  the  modern  phonograph.  Quality,  you  see, 
is  bound  to  tell  in  the  long  run.  When  one  considers 
the  enormous  number  of  records  that  the  discites 
have  from  which  to  choose,  compared  with  the  com- 
paratively few  Blue  Amberols  at  the  disposal  of  the 
Cylinderists,  the  results  of  the  contests  seem  almost 
incredible. 

"The  outstanding  feature  of  the  last  mentioned 
contest  was  the  fact  that  only  three  Blue  Amberols 
were  entered,  against  14  discs  of  all  makes.  Out- 
numbered by  nearly  five  to  one,  yet  they  emerge 
triumphant  from  the  contest.  Joking  apart,  the  facts 
above  tabulated  go  very  far,  I  think,  to  support  my 
contention  that  the  modern  cylinder  record  is  to-day 
unequalled  for  its  reproduction  of  vocal  selection,  and 
is  by  no  means  to  be  despised  in  other  respects,  com- 
pared with  the  ubiquitous  disc.  Indeed,  the  results 
of  the  contests  prove  this  more  than  any  words  of  mine 
can.  There  is  little  or  no  ground  for  disputing  it  in 
the  face  of  such  evidence. 

Although  preferring  the  gramophone  to  the  phono- 
graph, I  am  forced  to  admit  that  vocal  reproductions 
on  the  latter  appear  to  be  plainer  than  on  the  gramo- 
phone, the  extra  volume  of  sound  on  the  latter  seeming 
to  muffle  and  make  indistinct  the  words."  In  his 
interesting  reply,  Mr.  Seymour  says:  "Our  corre- 
spondent hits  the  nail  on  the  head  when  he  says  he  has 
come  to  the  conclusion  that  the  clearer  vocal  reproduc- 
tion on  the  phonograph  is  brought  about  by  that  in- 
strument lending  itself  better  to  the  recording  process 
than  the  gramophone.  The  cylinder  undoubtedly 
has  it  for  being  nearer  nature  in  the  smaller  details, 
and,  one  thing  is  certain,  if  means  could  be  devised 
to  augment  the  volume  of  the  Blue  Amberol  to  some- 
thing like  that  of  the  average  disc  ...  it  would  take 
a  new  lead  in  talking  machine  fashion." 


186 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  NOVEMBER,  1914 


187 


THOMAS  CHALMERS  MAKING 
AN  EDISON  RECORD 

IN  the  picture  above,  taken  recently  in  one  of  the 
special  recording  rooms  of  the  Edison  Recording 
Laboratory,  79  Fifth  Avenue,  New  York,  Thomas 
Chalmers  stands  before  the  recording  horn,  in  the  act 
of  singing  one  of  his  selections. 

Grouped  about  him  are  members  of  the  Edison 
Orchestra  so  placed  as  to  secure  the  best  effect.  It  will 
be  noticed  that  the  first  violins  are  directly  in  front 
of  the  horn,  while  the  second  violins  are  to  one  side, 
in  foreground  of  the  picture.  Back  of  the  first  violins 
are  the  wood-wind  instruments,  the  oboe,  clarinet, 
piccolo,  etc.  The  brass  instruments  are  placed  next, 
while  the  harp  is  directly  opposite  the  horn,  but  at  a 
little  distance.  It  has  been  a  matter  of  common 
remark  what  beautiful  harp  effects  are  secured  in 
Edison  Disc  records — a  fact  that  emphasizes  the  de- 
licacy of  the  recording  process. 

It  will  be  further  observed  that  all  the  players  are 
not  seated  on  chairs  of  equal  height.  Those  playing 
the  wood-wind  instruments  for  instance  are  seated  on 
higher,  longer  legged  chairs  than  the  rest,  in  order 
that  music  from  their  instruments  may  be  heard 
clearly  above  the  heads  of  those  playing  the  first 
violins. 

The  recording  instrument  itself  is  not  visible,  being 


behind  a  curtain,  attended  by  the  operator.  The 
recording  hern  passes  through  this  curtain.  The 
height  of  the  recording  horn  is  easily  adjusted  to  the 
singer's  height  by  a  cord  with  weight  attached  that 
allows  it  to  be  raised  or  lowered  exactly  opposite  the 
singer's  mouth. 

The  record  on  which  the  recording  is  done  is  similar 
in  size  only  to  ordinary  records  that  are  used  by 
Edison  patrons.  It  is  white  in  appearance,  being 
specially  prepared  white  wax,  and  about  y?  inch  thick. 

An  ingenious  device,  shown  in  the  picture,  is  a  tube 
reaching  from  the  recording  stylus  up  and  out  of  the 
window.  The  purpose  of  this  tube  is  to  instantly 
remove  by  strong  suction  any  parings  from  the  wax 
cylinder  as  the  recording  process  goes  on. 

The  strings  shown  back  of  the  conductor  have  no 
bearings  upon  the  music;  they  are  simply  there  to 
hold  the  curtain,  horn,  etc.,  in  place. 

It  will  also  be  observed  that  in  this  particular  in- 
stance, Mr.  Chalmers  has  the  music  he  is  singing 
directly  in  front  of  him.  Sometimes  the  music  is 
dispensed  with  and  the  singer  sings  from  memory 
only,  according  as  he  chooses. 

It  must  not  be  supposed  that  one  recording  like  this 
results  in  a  perfect  record.  After  such  a  recording 
has  taken  place,  the  master  record,  as  the  disc  is  here 
called,  is  taken  to  another  room,  where  it  is  placed 


188 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  NOVEMBER,  1914 


upon  an  Edison  Phonograph  and  played.  If  it  is 
discovered — as  it  frequently  is — that  the  record  can 
be  improved  upon,  a  second,  third,  or  even  fourth 
recording  is  undertaken  till  the  faults  noticed  are 
entirely  eliminated. 

The  submaster  thus  secured  is  handled  with  extreme 
care,  carefully  placed  in  a  special  carrying  case  and 
sent  to  the  Edison  Works  at  Orange,  N.  J.,  to  be  used 
in  the  manufacture  of  Edison  Records. 

In  every  step  of  this  delicate  process  extreme  care 
and  precision  is  necessary,  for  every  deflection  from  the 
standard  of  perfection  is  recorded  on  the  disc.  This 
applies  with  equal  force  to  the  perfect  blending  and 
harmonious  mingling  of  the  music  of  the  various  in- 
struments as  well  as  to  the  technique  of  the  singer's 
voice. 

Mr.  Chalmers,  elsewhere,  has  told  his  experiences 
before  the  recording  horn,  and  how  difficult  it  is  to 
meet  all  the  exact  requirements  necessary  for  a  perfect 
record.  In  his  opinion  "Stage  Fright"  has  no  parallel 
to  the  personal  feeling  of  a  singer  when  he  comes  for 
the  first  time  before  the  vigilant  sensitiveness  of  the 
recording  horn  and  its  unseen  secretary,  the  master 
disc.  But  the  beauty  and  clearness  of  the  Chalmers' 
records  show  how  completely  he  has  won  out  as  an 
exceptionally  good  singer  in  the  sanctity  of  the  re- 
cording chamber. 


ALLIES'  SOLDIERS  SING 
"TIPPERARY" 

(Blue  Amberol  Record  2487) 

NOT  always  is  it  the  national  song  that  comes 
to  the  soldiers'  lips  as  they  lie  in  the  trenches 
while  the  bullets  sweep  over  them,  not  always 
is  it  the  national  air  that  the  military  bands  boom 
forth  to  put  heart  into  the  warring  hosts  as  they  rally 
for  a  desperate  charge,  and  seldom  are  the  national 
songs  sung  around  the  campfires  when  the  soldiers 
gather  after  a  hard  fought  day  or  hummed  by  the 
sentry  on  his  lonely  beat  as  he  thinks  fondly  of  the 
home  and  homefolk  he  left  behind  him. 

In  most  wars  there  is  some  song — a  popular  song  or 
a  sentimental  one — that  spurs  the  soldiers  on  to  desperate 
deeds  and  cheers  them  in  their  loneliness.  In  our  war 
with  Spain  the  ragtime  song  of  "A  Hot  Time  in  the 
Old  Town  To-night"  was  considered  the  national  air, 
and  the  Filipinos,  when  they  wished  to  show  their 
friendliness  to  the  American  soldiers,  attempted  to 
sing  it. 

In  the  present  war  in  Europe  an  Irish  song  has 
caught  the  fancy  of  the  English  soldiers,  and  is  spread- 
ing to  the  ranks  of  the  other  armies.  It  is  called 
"  It's  a  Long,  Long  Way  to  Tipperary,"  and  was  written 
and  composed  by  Jack  Judge  and  Harry  Williams. 
The  words  are  being  sung  with  a  French  accent  to 
show  the  fraternizing  spirit  existing  between  the 
French  and  English,  and  even  with  a  German  accent 
by  the  soldiers  of  the  Kaiser's  army  that  have  become 
the  captives  of  the  English. 


The  air  to  the  popular  song  of  the  British  army  is  a 
catchy  one,  and  the  words  in  the  minds  of  the  soldiers 
as  they  sing  them  bring  back  the  thought  of  the  girls 
they  have  left  behind  them. 

Poets  writing  of  this  war  and  the  tellers  of  tales  will 
say  what  the  song  meant  to  the  soldiers.  In  another 
war — the  Crimean — the  British  soldiers  on  the  Con- 
tinent sang  the  song  of  "Annie  Laurie"  and  were 
heartened  or  made  homesick  by  it,  and  when  they 
sang  of  "Annie"  in  the  song  conjured  to  their  vision 
the  image  of  the  "Annie"  whose  name  might  have 
been  Jane  or  Maud — or  any  other — they  hoped  to 
return  to  when  the  war  was  over.  The  soldiers  singing 
the  present-day  popular  song  substitute  in  their 
minds  the  words  "London"  or  "Edinburgh"  or  many 
another  English,  Scotch  or  Irish  town  for  the  "Tipper- 
ary" of  the  song,  and  for  the  Irish  "Molly  O"  the  name 
of  sweetheart  or  wife  who  waits  for  them. 

The  soldiers  are  singing  parodies  on  it,  which  have 
been  made  up  by  would-be  songwriters  in  the  ranks, 
and  the  humor  of  some  of  them  tickle  the  French. 
One  of  these  is  supposed  to  be  sung  by  a  German  soldier 
and  has  a  set  of  words  that  goes  to  the  sentiment 
"It's  a  Long,  Long  Way  to  Paree  O"  and  substitutes 
for  "Irish  Molly  O"  the  "German  Kaiser  O." — New 
York  Press. 

A  TRAVELLING  SALESMAN 
AWHEEL 

CHARLES  W.  Bawden,  Lake  City,  Iowa,  has 
adopted  a  rather  novel  idea  of  selling  Edison 
Phonographs.  The  illustration  below  shows  his 
outfit,  which  consists  of  an  arrangement  whereby  a 
cylinder  phonograph  can  be  drawn  out  beyond  the 
tail-board  of  his  two-horse  wagon  and  played  while 
the  team  stands.  From  house  to  house  he  goes, 
stopping  only  long  enough  to  give  a  good  recital  and 
effect  a  sale.  The  horses  are  covered  with  a  light 
blanket  so  as  to  protect  them  from  the  flies  and  thus 
keep  them  in  condition  to  stand  still  as  long  as  needed. 
He  also  has  arranged  to  carry  in  a  case,  a  select  list 
of  Blue  Amberols.  His  method  is  to  leave  an  Edison 
machine  with  a  number  of  records  and  then  call  for 
them  in  a  day  or  two. 


CHARLES  W.  BAWDEN,  LAKE  CITY,  IOWA 


THE  EDISON  DIAMOND  DISC 

Matters  of  Special  Interest  to  Disc  Jobbers  and  Dealers 


EDISON  FLOAT  THAT  TOOK  FIRST  PRIZE  AT  THE  HARVEST  FESTIVAL,  AURORA,  IOWA 


THE   EDISON  AT  "HARVEST 
HOMES,"  AND  COUNTY  FAIRS 

ONE  of  the  most  important  means  of  advertising 
Edison  Phonographs,  both  disc  and  cylinder,  has 
been    taken    advantage    of    by    Edison    dealers 
located  in  the  central  and  middle  west  as  well  as  in 
California.     It    is    impossible    to    reproduce    all    the 
photos  sent  us  by  these  enterprising  dealers,  but  we 
ive  a  few  herewith. 

The  Edison  Float  that  took  first  prize  at  the  Harvest 
Festival,  Aurora,  Neb.,  was  quite  an  elaborate  affair, 
yet  simple  in  design.  Unfortunately  the  picture 
does  not  do  it  justice.  The  platform  was  built  on  an 
automobile.  The  young  lady  standing  on  the  top 
holding  in  her  right  hand  an  Edison  Disc  Record  re- 
presented the  "Goddess  of  Liberty."  The  mammoth 
Eagle  in  the  automobile  ahead,  was  supported  by  iron 
rods.  Silk  ribbons  of  gay  colors  were  held  in  the 
Goddess's  left  hand  and  reached  to  the  eagle's  bill, 
to  indicate  that  the  Goddess  was  being  led  by  the 
eagle  and  thus  the  float  moved  imaginary  in  its  flight. 
On  the  inside  of  the  float  was  an  A200  Disc  Machine 
operated  by  a  third  person  unseen.  The  selections 
chosen  were  such  as  to  arouse  much  favorable  comment 
and  the  disc  was  kept  playing  throughout  the  entire 
parade — something  quite  novel  at  Aurora.  On  the  rear 
of  the  float  was  a  small  boy  dressed  up  as  Uncle  Sam 


and  a  placard  beside  him  with  the  words  "Uncle  Sam 
says  the  Edison  -Disc  is  the  best  Talking  Machine 
made." 

To  our  enterprising  dealer  C.  E.  Nair  at  Aurora 
was  due  the  credit  of  originating  and  carrying  out  this 
novel  exhibition  of  the  Edison  Disc.  It  received 
first  prize  in  the  whole  line  of  displays  and  was  most 
favorably  commented  on  for  its  design  and  its  music. 
As  an  advertising  stunt  it  certainly  did  secure  much 
attention. 

To  John  R.  Bolz,  Edison  dealer  at  Kiel,  Wis., 
belongs  the  credit  of  a  very  attractive  Edison  float  at 
the  "Home  Coming  Harvest  Week"  parade  last  Sep- 
tember. Mr.  Bolz  rigged  up  an  attractive  affair, 
drawn  by  two  horses. 

One  of  the  most  successful  affairs  ever  heard  or  seen 
in  Hanover,  Pa.,  was  the  County  Fair  that  drew  great 
crowds  from  all  the  surrounding  territory.  Ivan  White, 
our  enterprising  dealer  there,  was  alive  to  the  occasion. 
He  designed  a  very  attractive  Edison  float,  and  as  will 
be  seen  from  the  illustration  on  the  next  page,  drew 
great  crowds.  Edison  Disc  music  was  dispensed  along 
the  entire  route  of  the  parade  and  the  feature  seemed 
to  be  the  most  popular  in  all  the  parade. 

Out  in  Paso  Robles,  California,  an  attractive  booth 
was  equipped  with  Edison  goods  at  the  County  Fair. 
Much  amusement  was  afforded  by  the  playing  of  many 
comic  records. 


189 


190 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  NOVEMBER,  1914 


An  Edison  Disc  Recital  at  Monmouth  County  Fair, 
Red  Bank,  N.  J. 

The  Monmouth  County  Fair  is  always  an  event  of 
considerable  importance  to  Southern  New  Jersey. 
This  year  it  was  larger  and  more  popular  than  ever. 
The  Trusting  Piano  Co.'s  booth  assumed  on  Labor  Day 
(September  7th)  a  gala  appearance  and  was  the  center 
of  a  large  crowd  of  eager  listeners.  It  was  in  charge  of 
F.  A.  Richie,  the  well-known  representative  of  the 
Phonograph  Corporation  of  Manhattan.  An  A250 
Disc  was  used  and  it  bore  the  blue  ribbon  awarded  to 
it  as  the  highest  type  of  musical  instrument  exhibited. 
Some  representatives  of  talking  machines  were  present 
and  noted  with  envious  eye  the  popularity  of  the  Edison 
Disc. 

Another  splendid  display  was  that  of  Cooey- 
Bentz  Company  at  the  West  Virginia  Fair  held 
at  Wheeling,  W.  Va.,  September  9th  to  11th. 
Notwithstanding  the  location  was  most  disadvan- 
tageous, the  affair  was  a  great  success.  The  unfavorable 
conditions  were:  to  the  left  hand,  a  commercial  school 
with  six  typewriters  going  almost  continuously;  to  the 
right,  a  linotype  machine  that  was  in  constant  oper- 
ation day  and  night  setting  up  a  State  Fair  Edition  of 
the  Wheeling  News;  then  just  diagonally  across  the 


Edison  Display   at  West  Virginia  State  Fair, 
Wheeling,  West  Va. 

Hall  was  a  music  dealer  demonstrating  pianos,  piano- 
players  and  loud  talking  machines  seventy-five  per 
cent  of  the  time.  Neverthless  the  demonstration  of 
the  Edison  was  a  success. 

Cooey-Bentz  Company  used  on  this  occasion  two 
A2S0  Disc  (mahogany)  models,  one  to  attract  the 
crowd  by  its  continual  playing  and  the  other  for 
private  demonstration  purposes.  They  were  very 
successful  in  attracting  large  crowds,  from  which  they 
secured  many  prospects  and  closed  some  orders. 

Following  Fair  week  they  put  a  man  in  charge  of  the 
phonograph  department,  turned  over  the  list  of 
prospects  to  him  with  instructions  to  call  on  every  one, 
and  if  possible  get  permission  to  set  an  Edison  in  their 
home  on  trial. 

One  remarkable  and  unexpected  result  of  the  fair 
was  that  they  learned  the  addresses  of  a  number  of 
people  who  had  other  than  Edison  instruments  anf1 
realized  after  hearing  the  Edison  that  they  were  nc 
as  fortunate  as  those  who  had  an  Edison.  In  many 
instances  they  were  anxious  to  trade  in  their  machines 
for  an  Edison. 


Edison  Display  at  County  Fair, 
Paso  Robles,  Cal. 


The  Edison  Float  at  "Home  Coming  Week," 
Kiel,  Wise. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  NOVEMBER,  1914 


191 


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CROWD  AT  EDISON  DISC  OPEN-AIR  RECITAL,  HANOVER  FAIR,  HANOVER,  PA.     (See  previous  page). 


C.  E.  GOODWIN  ON  QUALITY 
MACHINES 

CE.  GOODWIN,  head  of  the  Phonograph  Co., 
Chicago,  returned  from  Europe  recently,  and  in 
a  little  talk  with  a  representative  of  The  Talking 
Machine  World  outlined  a  few  of  the  noticeable  char- 
acteristics of  the  talking  machine  trade  of  Europe. 

Mr.  Goodwin  said:  "I  left  the  old  country  just  one 
or  two  days  before  the  declaration  of  hostilities,  and 
the  ship  on  which  I  sailed,  the  'Vaterland,'  was  in 
midocean  before  we  received  a  wireless  apprising  us  of 
the  awful  calamity  that  had  been  precipitated. 

"I  had  very  little  opportunity  while  in  Europe  to 
study  the  phonograph  business  as  I  should  like,  but  I 
did  notice  one  thing  which  struck  me  most  forcibly. 
That  was  the  prevalence  of  the  cheap  machines  and  the 
wful  results  that  follow  an  attempt  to  give  the  public 
what  are  apparently  bargains,  but  which  in  the  end 
cause  the  most  unfortunate  conditions.  Over  there 
the  result  of  the  introduction  of  the  inferior  machine 
has  cheapened  the  whole  talking  machine  proposition, 
and  the  result  has  been  that  there  is  a  distinct  lack  of 
the  pride  of  ownership  which  exists  in  this  country  and 
which  only  follows  the  marketing  of  the  better  grade 
of  instruments  and  encouraging  the  purchase  of  in- 
struments that  are  really  worth  while.  The  populariz- 
ing of  the  phonograph  in  this  country  from  the  stand- 
point of  good  furniture  resulted  in  its  being  taken  up 
by  the  wealthier  classes  and  being  installed  in  a  really 
permanent  way.  In  reply  to  these  arguments  I  was 
told  that  'you  don't  know  our  people,'  but  I  deny  that 
my  theory  is  any  more  at  fault  in  their  case  than  in 
our  own,  and  I  certainly  maintain  that  the  American 
success  in  the  talking  machine  business  has  been  the 
result    of    the    placing    of   high-grade    instruments    in 


high-grade  homes,  and  in  the  fact  that  it  has  been  made 
fashionable  with  the  cultured  classes  to  own  a  machine 
of  the  more  expensive  type.  With  the  instalment 
plan  so  prevalent  in  this  country,  everyone  can  afford 
to  place  one  of  the  better  instruments  in  his  home,  and 
once  it  is  there  the  pride  of  ownership  will  insure  its 
staying  there." 

Mr.  Goodwin  was  in  France  primarily  to  visit  his 
mother  and  sister,  who  have  been  at  the  Calot  Institute 
at  Birck  Plage,  France,  which  is  fifty  miles  south  of 
Boulogne.  Mr.  Goodwin's  people  are  still  at  this 
point  despite  the  fact  that  the  greatest  war  in  history 
is  raging  only  a  few  miles  to  the  east.  Mr.  Goodwin 
says,  however,  that  he  fears  little  danger  of  either  of 
the  armies  making  trouble  in  that  neighborhood. 
"I  motored  considerably  in  England  and  France," 
said  Mr.  Goodwin,  "and  it  seems  hardly  possible  that 
the  peaceful  agricultural  countries  and  the  beautiful 
farm  lands  that  I  traveled  through  are  now  the  scene  of 
mobilization  and  strife. 

"The  month  of  August  has  been  surprisingly  good, 
with  a  decided  demand  running  for  the  most  expensive 
instruments.  The  sales  of  the  3250  Edisons  are  by 
far  in  the  preponderance.  The  weekly  issue  of  Edison 
records  has  been  a  pronounced  success  as  well  as  the 
system  of  releasing  records  State  by  State." 

The  Edison  headquarters  have  been  greatly  improved 
by  removing  the  offices  that  were  on  the  second  floor 
to  the  floor  above,  giving  increased  space  for  the  re- 
ception of  retail  record  customers.  Tables  have  been 
placed  by  the  offices  and  decorated  in  excellent  fashion, 
so  altogether  the  change  is  most  commendable. 


Nothing  can  inspire  your  mind  and  pen  in  describ- 
ing the  Edison  Diamond  Disc  Phonogaph,  like  hearing 
it  speak  for  itself. 


192 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  NOVEMBER,  1914 


McKEE  SURGICAL  INSTRUMENT  CO 


C.  L.  SHAFER 

Demonstrator  and  Salesman 
Washington  Office 


J.  S.  CARPENTER 

Salesman 
Washington  Office 


WASHINGTON,  D.  C. 

917  Ninth  St.,  N.  W. 


WILLIAM  WILSON  GIBSON 

Manager  Baltimore  Office 


MISS  E.  A.  ZIMMERMAN 

Edison  Demonstrator 

Washington  Office 


FRANK  L.  WINANT 

Edison  Rooter 

Washington  Office 


WALTER  DEBRING 

Salesman 
Baltimore  Office 


BALTIMORE,  MD. 

310  North  Eutaw   Street 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  NOVEMBER,  1914 


193 


McKEE  SURGICAL  INSTRUMENT  CO 

Jobbers  and  Dealers  in  Edison  Diamond  Disc  Phonographs 
WASHINGTON  AND  BALTIMORE 


"The  Gibson  Building" 

HOME  OFFICE 

917  Ninth  Street,  N.  W. 

Washington,  D.  C. 


"  The  window  on  the  West  side 
of  our  '  Gibson  Building '  is  used 
exclusively  for  displaying  Edison 
instruments  and  records,  and  an 
Edison  electric  sign  burns  brightly 
every  evening." 


BALTIMORE  OFFICE 

310  North  Eutaw  Street 

Decorated  for  "Star  Spangled  Banner  Week' 


194 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  NOVEMBER,  1914 


WHO'S  WHO  AMONG  EDISON  JOBBERS 

ELEVENTH  ARTICLE 


McKEE  SURGICAL  INSTRUMENT  CO. 

Jobbers  and  Dealers  in  Edison  Diamond  Disc  and  Cylinder  Phonographs 

WILLIAM  GIBSON,  President  and  General  Manager 

917  NINTH  STREET,  N.  W.,  WASHINGTON,  D.  C. 

310  N.  EUTAW  STREET,  BALTIMORE,  MD. 


THE  McKee  Instrument  Co.,  Washington,  D.  C, 
and  Baltimore,  Md.,is  a  corporation  incorporated 
under  the  laws  of  Virginia.  They  conduce  two 
stores  occupying  two  entire  three-story  buildings  in 
each  city.  The  Washington  store  is  located  at  917 
9th  St.,  N.W.,  within  half  a  block  of  the  Palais  Royal 
and  Woodward  &  Lothrop,  both  of  which  are  on  G  St. 
and  are  located  in  the  very  heart  of  the  retail  business 
section. 

They  own  and  occupy  a  new  building  called  the 
Gibson  Building,  which  is  106  ft.  in  depth,  and  20  ft. 
wide,  running  back  to  a  15  ft.  paved  alley.  The 
entrance  is  paved  with  mosaic  tiling,  and  on  either 
side  are  windows  14  x  6  ft.  The  window  on  the  west 
side  is  used  exclusively  for  displaying  Edison  instru- 
ments and  records.  In  this  window  is  displayed  an 
"Edison"  sign  which  burns  nightly  with  electric 
lamps.  The  building  being  nearly  opposite  one  of  the 
largest  transfer  points  in  the  city,  the  sign  attracts 
very  much  attention  and  is  a  splendid  advertisement. 

Entering  the  building  and  passing  to  the  left,  may 
be  found  an  Otis  passenger  elevator  which  carries  the 
public  to  Edison  Hall  which  occupies  the  entire  second 
floor.  In  the  front  of  this  floor  is  a  platform  surrounded 
by  bow  windows,  and  from  this  platorm  demonstra- 
tions are  given  daily.  The  room  seats  150  people. 
Acoustics  are  of  the  best.  Large  instruments  can  be 
played  to  advantage  as  those  in  the  rear  can  hear 
equally  as  well  as  others  in  the  front  row.  On  this 
floor  in  the  rear  are  provided  booths,  record  shelves, 
lavatories,  wash  room,  and  every  modern  convenience 
for  employees  and  the  public.  The  system  of  ventila- 
tion has  also  been  thoroughly  regulated  so  that  there 
is  a  continual  change  of  air  in  the  room.  Potted 
plants,  comfortable  chairs,  and  good  music  make  this 
Hall  one  of  the  attractive  places  of  the  capital  city. 

The  McKee  Company  are  dealers  and  jobbers  in 
Washington,  and  push  both  locally.  Baltimore,  how- 
ever, is  their  jobbing  headquarters.  This  is  in  charge 
of  William  Wilson  Gibson,  son  of  the  President, 
who  is  the  Edison  enthusiast  of  the  firm.     It  was  he 


who  persuaded  his  father  to  take  on  the  Edison  line 
in  Washington.  Later  he  asked  him  to  apply  to  the 
Edison  Company  to  become  jobbers,  and  shortly 
before  coming  of  age  was  appointed  manager  of  the 
Baltimore  store.  He  keeps  in  close  touch  with  the 
dealers  and  serves  them  first,  last,  and  all  the  time, 
not  considering  the  retailing  at  all  in  the  City  of 
Baltimore. 

His  own  article  here  follows: 

It  has  been  said  that  a  real  successful  man  is  one 
who  has  learned  his  trade  or  profession  from  the  ground 
up.  This  is  equally  true  of  any  firm  that  takes  on  a 
new  line  of  merchandise,  especially  a  line  entirely 
foreign  to  their  usual  one.  The  McKee  Instrument 
Co.,  a  firm  selling  nothing  but  doctors',  nurses',  and 
invalid  supplies,  was  the  last  one  that  any  sane  man 
could  have  even  dreamed  of  putting  on  a  musical  line, 
yet  such  an  unheard  of  thing  has  happened  with  us. 

We  started  in  as  dealers  and  plodded  the  long,  hard 
road  of  experience  for  many  a  weary  day.  We  knew 
absolutely  nothing  about  phonographs,  much  less 
selling  them.  We  truly  learned  this  business  from  the 
very  root  up.  Our  experience  has  taught  us  many 
lessons  and  it  has  enabled  us  to  appreciate  more  fully 
the  hardships  of  dealers. 

If  a  jobber  is  to  be  successful,  he  must  learn  to  co- 
operate with  every  dealer  who  buys  from  him.  After 
all  is  said  and  done,  if  the  spirit  of  helpfulness  does  not 
exist  between  jobber  and  dealer,  there  is  no  hope  of 
real  success  on  either  side. 

First  of  all  a  jobber  must  be  thoroughly  familiar 
with  his  line.  He  must  be  able  to  answer  any  question 
that  a  dealer  may  ask.  If  the  jobber  can  truly  be  an 
"information  bureau,"  he  will  not  only  help  his  dealers 
but  also  himself,  as  the  dealers  will  want  to  patronize 
the  one  who  can  render  them  the  best  service. 

Again,  a  jobber  must  be  up-to-the-minute  in  every 
particular  as  regards  new  records,  new  equipment, 
advertising,  literature,  etc.;  must  keep  his  dealers 
supplied  with  all  available  helps  that  he  can.     In  order 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  NOVEMBER,  1914 


195 


that  this  may  work  satisfactorily,  dealers  must  make 
their  wants  known  from  time  to  time. 

In  the  third  place,  a  jobber  must  carry  a  complete 
stock  of  everything  pertaining  to  his  line.  There  must 
not  be  any  delays  in  filling  orders,  if  the  jobber  would 
hold  his  customers'  trade.  If  a  dealer  wants  a  certain 
record  or  part,  he  wants  it  bad,  and  if  his  jobber  cannot 
send  it  out  the  day  he  receives  his  dealer's  order,  that 
jobber  cannot  hope  to  retain  the  dealer's  good  will. 

Again,  a  jobber  must  be  full  of  original  ideas  for 
increasing  the  trade  of  his  dealers.  He  must  give 
suggestions  for  increased  retail  sales  if  he  wants  his 
own  wholesale  business  to  grow. 

The  jobber  is  the  connecting  link  between  the  manu- 
facturer and  the  dealer.  He  is  a  very  necessary  adjunct 
to  the  success  of  the  business,  as  no  manufacturers 
could  begin  to  keep  in  touch  with  every  dealer  located 
in  all  corners  of  this  vast  country.  As  long  as  our  line 
of  business  lasts  there  must  be  jobbers,  and  as  long  as 
these  jobbers  act  honorably  with  their  dealers,  so  long 
will  they  remain  in  business. 

There  is  one  way  in  which  a  dealer  must  help  his 
jobber,  and  that  is  by  paying  all  of  his  debts  promptly. 
It  costs  a  great  deal  for  a  jobber  to  carry  a  large  and 
complete  stock,  and  if  the  dealers  wont  pay,  either  one 
or  the  other  will  have  to  suffer. 

We  are  handling  a  wonderful  machine,  made  by  a 
wonderful  man.  We  must  get  the  real  Edison  spirit 
if  we,  as  jobbers  or  dealers,  are  to  be  truly  successful. 
There  never  was  a  greater  instrument  than  the  Edison 
Diamond  Disc,  and  if  we  truly  believe  this  and  co- 
operate with  each  other,  we  will  have  the  phonograph 
business  of  this  country  within  the  palm  of  our  hand. 

THE  EDISON  DISC  IN  HOTEL 
DINING  ROOMS 

TO   the   Alexander-Kay   Piano    Co.,    235    Eighth 
Avenue,  West,  Calgary,  we  are  indebted  to  a 
very    practical    idea    which    they    have    carried 
out  at  The  Carleton  Hotel  in  their  city.     On  the  back 
of  the  Bill  of  Fare  they  have  placed  the  following  ad- 
vertisement: 

M'mtaatxb  ^Btsc 

^h-ortograp-ri's  ,Arttsts 

furnish  entertainment  for  Datrons 
of  "The  Carlton  Cafe."  Why  not 
arrange  with  the  representatives  and 
have  one  placed  in  your  home  ? 

Alsxartber-^Stay 
^tatto  (Eo. 

235  EIGHTH  AVE.  W. 

Enough  is  said  to  insure  attention.  The  idea  is  a 
good  one  that  many  a  dealer  can  carry  out  if  he  will 
interview  the  Management  of  the  best  Hotel  in  his  city. 


THE  PHONOGRAPH   CORPORATION 

OF  MANHATTAN  OPENS  ITS 

PALATIAL  FIFTH  AVE. 

ESTABLISHMENT 

FOR  many  months  active  preparations  have  been 
in  progress  for  the  completion  of  the  handsome 
new  building  on  Fifth  Avenue  of  the  Phonograph 
Corporation  of  Manhattan,  and  its  formal  opening. 
It  is  unquestionably  the  most  elaborately  finished  and 
furnished  retail  store  in  the  phonograph  line  in  the 
United  States. 

The  entire  building  has  been  specially  constructed 
for  this  purpose,  being  ihe  work  of  one  of  the  foremost 
architects  in  the  country.  It  presents,  from  the  out- 
side, a  very  handsome,  rich  imposing  appearance, 
being  of  a  light  brown  stone,  finished  and  carved  in 
an  ornate  and  chaste  manner.  Its  location  at  Fortieth 
Street,  directly  opposite  the  new  Public  Library,  in 
the  heart  of  the  most  exclusive  retail  shopping  district 
of  New  York,  gives  every  advantage  to  cater  to  the 
class  of  trade  desired. 

The  formal  opening  took  place  on  Wednesday, 
Thursday,  and  Friday,  October  21st.  22nd  and  23rd, 
preceded  by  a  three-day  private  reception  to  specially 
invited  friends,  the  trade  and  the  press. 

The  interior  arrangements  are  excellent  in  every 
detail.  The  appearance  throughout  is  that  of  a  very 
rich,  exclusive  drawing  room,  where  every  detail  of  the 
portiers,  rugs,  walls  and  lighting  effects  are  unique  and 
of  special  design,  made  solely  for  this  purpose.  Black 
walnut  is  used  throughout  for  all  interior  woodwork 
and  presents  a  rich,  warm  and  highly  artistic  appearance. 

Three  floors  are  given  over  entirely  to  the  retailing 
of  Edison  Diamond  Disc  Phonographs  and  each  floor 
is  so  admirably  planned  that  not  an  inch  of  space  is 
misapplied.  The  demonstration  rooms,  the  auditorium, 
the  record-salesroom  are  models  of  very  high  class 
equipment  and  all  details  for  the  customers'  con- 
venience and  comfort  are  studied  out  and  supplied  with 
a  lavishness  that  makes  whatever  room  one  visits,  a 
genuine  de  luxe  sales-reception-room. 

Next  month,  when  photographs  are  available,  we 
propose  to  give  our  readers  a  still  better  description 
of  this  most  beautiful  and  elaborate  of  all  Edison  retail 
stores. 

THE  EDISON  DISC  JOBBERS 
ASSOCIATION 

"Nearly  every  Edison  Jobber  is  now  a  member  of 
this  Association — the  few  yet  remaining  out  of  the 
Association  hope  soon  to  count  in.  The  new  Disc 
Supplement  plan  was  a  decided  boom  to  both  jobbers 
and  dealers.  The  concensus  of  opinion  is  that  the 
new  arrangement  is  a  big  improvement  over  anything 
heretofore  in  force  and  the  enthusiastic  manner  in 
which  it  was  received  warrants  disc  dealers  in  sincerely 
hoping  that  it  will  be  permanent." — H.  G.  Stanton, 
Secretary. 


196 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  NOVEMBER,  1914 


EDISON  DISC  RECITAL  AT  THE  HIGH  SCHOOL,  DES  MOINES,  IOWA 


EDISON  DISC  RECITAL  AT  THE 
HIGH  SCHOOL,  DES  MOINES 

One  of  the  most  enjoyable  recitals  ever  held  in  Des 
Moines  was  at  the  High  School  last  Spring.  The  large 
school  hall  was  filled  with  the  students  who  were  favored 
with  many  choice  selections.  The  acoustic  properties 
of  the  hall  were  fine  so  that  every  note  was  heard  in 
all  parts  of  the  hall.  To  many  who  heard  the  Edison 
Disc  for  the  first  time,  this  was  a  revelation  in  tone 
quality,  and  everyone  present  expressed  the  greatest 
pleasure  in  the  recital.  Other  concerts  will  be  held 
from  time  to  time. 


T 


399  EDISON  VOTES  OUT  OF  A  POS- 
SIBLE 400 

"The  Edison  Disc  is  elected  by  an  overwhelming 
majority."  Such  was  the  word  passed  along  by 
members  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  Lodge,  Coshocton, 
Ohio,  recently.  There  had  arisen  a  discussion  of  what 
kind  of  talking  machine  the  Lodge  should  acquire. 
Some  members  were  partial  to  the  make  they  happened 
to  know  most  about.  Then  Stevenson  Bros.,  our 
dealers  there,  appeared  on  the  scene  and  offered  to 
play  the  Edison  Disc  at  the  next  Lodge  meeting,  and 
leave  the  decision  to  a  vote.  Out  of  the  400  members 
of  the  Lodge  the  Edison  received  399  actual  votes. 
Why  the  dissenting  one  did  not  also  vote  "Edison" 
we  have  yet  to  hear.  But  the  Edison  Disc  was  pur- 
chased and  is  now  a  much  admired  acquisition,  being 
in  constant  use  by  some  member  of  the  Lodge  every 
evening. 


EDISON  ADVER-GRAPHS 

HESE    advertising    paragraphs    are    suggestions 
that  contain  helpful  thought  for  sales-talk  and 
for  advertising  themes. 
"What  a  difference." 
"Best  I  ever  heard." 
"Isn't  it  natural." 
"No  metallic  sound." 
"This  is  real  music." 
"How  plain  the  words  are." 
"Sweeter  and  clearer." 
"Simply  perfect,  and  perfectly  simple." 
"Marvelous  music;  almost  a  miracle." 
"Cheerful  rest  for  weary  minds." 
"Teaches  the  children  true  music." 
"Delightful  to  old  and  young." 
"Clear,  distinct,  entertaining." 
"Dispels  loneliness;  a  joy  forever." 
"A  congenial  companion." 
"Inspiring,  instructive,  incomparable." 
"The  music  you  wish  and  when  you  wish." 
"All  the  show  except  the  scenery." 
"Makes  music  plainer  and  clearer." 
"Speaks  all  tongues;  plays  all  parts." 
"Makes  home  joyful  in  city  or  country." 
"A  thousand  and  one  nights  pleasure." 
"  For  your  pleasure  at  your  leisure." 
"No  needles  to  change,  to  scratch  and  grind, 

No  scrape,  no  blur,  no  blasting, 
But  a  diamond  point  of  the  finest  kind 

Unchanged  and  everlasting". 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  NOVEMBER,  1914 


197 


TWO   MORE  NEW   EDISON   ARTISTS 

IN  THE  DECEMBER  BLUE  AMBEROL  LIST 


RICHARD    CZERWONKY 

RICHARD  CZERWONKY,  VIOLINIST 

was  born  May  23rd,  1886,  at  Birnbaum,  in  the  province 
of  Posen,  Germany.  Through  the  influence  of  Mr. 
Burmester,  who  heard  him  as  a  boy  of  ten  years  play 
at  Frankfort,  Czerwonky  chose  the  career  of  an  artist, 
and  commenced  his  musical  education  at  the  Klind- 
worth  Scharwenka  Conservatory  in  Berlin  under  the 
personal  direction  of  Prof.  Florian  Zajic.  After  a  two 
years'  stay  he  attended  the  famous  Royal  Conservatory 
of  Music,  Berlin,  where  he  studied  under  the  special 
instruction  of  Andreas  Moser,  and  then  spent  three 
years  with  Prof.  Joseph  Joachim,  graduating  from  the 
same  school  in  October,  1906. 

Mr.  Czerwonky  was  awarded  many  first  prizes, 
among  others  those  known  to  musicians  as  Men- 
delssohn, Jos.  Joachim,  Carl  Haase  and  Beethoven. 
He  played  in  Berlin  with  the  famous  Philharmonic 
Orchestra,  and  had  eminent  success  wherever  he 
appeared. 

It  is  of  special  interest  to  state  that  Mr.  Czerwonky 
played  the  Scottish  Fantasy  of  Bruch  and  Joachim's 
Flungarian  Concerto  during  which  the  composers 
conducted  the  orchestra. 

In  1907  Dr.  Muck,  the  famous  conductor  of  the 
Royal  Opera  House  in  Berlin  and  the  Boston  Symphony 
Orchestra,  called  him  to  Boston  to  be  one  of  his  Concert 
masters  in  the  Boston  Symphony  Orchestra. 

After  a  two  years'  stay  in  Boston,  Mr.  Czerwonky 
joined  Mr.  Oberhoffer  and  the  Minneapolis  Symphony 
Orchestra  as  Concertmaster,  a  position  he  still  holds. 

Mr.  Czerwonky  is  not  only  known  all  over  America 
but  also  in  Europe  as  one  of  the  foremost  of  living 
violinists. 

"Adoration,"  the  Blue  Amberol  Record  played  by 
him  in  the  December  list  (No.  2475)  is  by  Felix 
Borowski.  The  purity  of  tone  he  draws  from  his  violin 
is  remarkable.  Master  of  this  most  human  of  instru- 
ments, alive  to  all  its  possibilities,  he  holds  you  spell- 
bound and  ever  eager  for  more. 


ALBERT  FARRINGTON 

ALBERT  FARRINGTON,  BARITONE 

Albert  Farrington  contributes  to  the  Blue  Amberol 
list  for  December  by  singing  baritone  in  two  records, 
"Rule  Britannia"  (2486)  and  "It's  a  Long,  Long  Way 
to  Tipperary."  He  has  a  fine  baritone  voice  and  it  is 
splendidly  trained.  He  was  born  in  London,  England, 
studied  at  the  Royal  Academy  and  under  Prof.  Ran- 
deger  and  Thompson.  He  has  also  starred  with  several 
opera  troupes  in  this  country.  At  present  he  is 
baritone  soloist  at  St.  Ignatius  Church,  New  York 
City,  where  he  has  personally  trained  the  well-known 
boy  choir  of  that  church. 

HARRY  E.  HUMPHREY 

While  Mr.  Humphrey  is  not  a  new  Edison  artist 
this  month,  having  made  other  Blue  Amberol 
Records,  his  appearance  in  the  timely  Christmas  Carol 
is  so  exceptionally  good  that  we  are  pleased  to  add  a 
few  lines  of  his  biography. 

Born  in  San  Francisco,  Cal.,  in  the  late  70's,  Mr. 
Humphrey  began  his  stage  career  at  the  old  Grand 
Opera  House  in  that  city.  He  came  east  in  1901  and  has 
since  been  associated  with  many  noted  players,  among 
them  Dorothy  Donnelly,  Frances  Starr,  Laura  Hope 
Crewes,  'Daniel  Bandman,  William  H.  Crane  and 
Wngnt  Lorimer.  He  spent  tne  season  of  1911-12 
touring  the  Orpheum  Circuit  managing  and  playing 
the  principal  part  in  "bcrooge,"  an  adaptation  from 
Dickens'  "Christmas  Carol. 

As  a  native  of  California  and  an  actor  schooled  in 
character  delineation,  Mr.  Humphrey  imparts  true 
reality  to  his  clever  reading,  and  his  perfect  diction 
enables  one  to  follow  him  with  ease.  On  this  record 
he  gives  three  of  James  Whitcomb  Riley's  short  poems. 
The  first  is  called  "The  Raggedy  Man."  (A  "Raggedy 
Man"  is  a  sort  of  handy  man  about  the  farm.)  The 
second  poem  is  "The  Bumblebee,"  a  "Cautionary  tale" 
for  children.  Last  of  all  he  gives  the  short  lines  "An 
Impetuous  Resolve." 


198 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  NOVEMBER,  1914 


MR.  EDISON  INSPECTS  A 

BATTLESHIP  AND  A 

SUBMARINE 

SECRETARY  of  the  Navy  Josephus  Daniels  and 
Mrs.  Daniels  recently  visited  Mr.  Edison  at  his 
laboratory.  The  Secretary's  flag  was  run  up, 
followed  by  the  Stars  and  Stripes,  as  the  party  entered 
the  factory.  After  being  shown  through  the  labora- 
tory they  were  taken  by  Mr.  Hutchison,  chief  engineer 
through  the  Edison  factories.  Later  the  guests  were 
treated  to  an  exhibition  of  the  talking  "movies,"  the 
ordinary  "movies"  and  a  concert  on  the  new  Diamond 
Disc  Phonograph. 

Following  the  inspection  luncheon  was  served  at  the 
Edison  home  in  Llewellyn  Park.  In  the  party,  besides 
the  guests  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Edison,  were  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  John  Eyre  Sloan,  the  latter  formerly  Miss 
Madeleine  Edison;  Theodore  and  Charles  Edison  and 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hutchison. 

The  party  then  left  in  automobiles  for  the  Brooklyn 
Navy  Yard,  where  Mr.  Edison  for  the  first  time  in  his 
life  went  aboard  a  battleship.  He  inspected  the  new 
dreadnought  "New  York"  and  then  went  aboard  a 
submarine,  a  craft  in  which  he  has  recently  manifested 
much  interest,  owing  to  the  part  it  is  playing  in  the 
present  European  war. 


EDISON  CABINETS  SUPERIOR  IN 
WORKMANSHIP  AND  DESIGN 

Much  thought  and  care  has  been  expended  in  se- 
curing designs  for  cabinets  of  the  highest  artistic 
excellence.  There  are  no  better  examples  of  refined, 
chaste  and  well  proportioned  cabinets  on  the  market 
today  than  those  of  the  Edison,  both  disc  and  cylinder. 
It  is  very  gratifying  to  have  this  fact  "discovered"  at 
times  by  those  accustomed  to  handling  fine  furniture. 
We  take  pleasure  in  quoting  a  letter  from  the  Homer 
S.  Williams  Company,  a  furniture  concern  doing  the 
largest  business  between  Pittsburg  and  Cleveland. 
They  very  recently  added  the  Edison  Disc.  They 
say: 

"In  reference  to  your  cabinets  we  wish  to  say  that 
in  competition,  frequently,  the  customer  expresses  his 
preference  for  the  design  of  some  other  manufacturer. 
But  it  is  a  very  easy  matter  to  convince  such  of  the 
superior  workmanship  in  Edison  cabinets.  Here  is 
a  point  that  dealers  may  not  appreciate,  but  when  one 
puts  the  cabinets  side  by  side  with  other  makes,  the 
designs  and  workmanship  of  the  Edison  are  far  superior 
to  any  possible  competitor  in  the  talking  machine  line. 
We  do  not  believe  this  point  is  appreciated  as  much 
by  exclusive  phonograph  dealers  as  it  is  by  we  furniture 
people." 


BLUE  AMBEROL  LIST  FOR  DECEMBER 

REGULAR  LIST 


2461 
2462 
2463 
2464 
2465 
2466 
2467 
2468 
2469 
2470 
2471 
2472 
2473 
2474 
2475 
2476 
2477 
2478 
2479 
2480 
2481 
2482 
2483 

2486 
2487 


50  cents  each  in  the  United  States;  65  cents  each  in  Canada 


Soldiers  of  the  King,  Stuart,  Baritone 

Love's  Last  Word,  Cremieux,  Tenor 

A  Little  More  Pepper  One-Step,  Lincoln,  For  dancing 

The  Night  Before  Christmas,  Moore,  Recitation 

L'Elegante  Polka,  Damare,  Xylophone 

Jocelyn — Lullaby,  Godard,  Soprano 

L'Estudiantina — Waltz  Hesitation,  Waldteufel,  For  dancing 

Aba  Daba  Honeymoon,  Fields  and  Donovan,  Monkey  Song 

(a)  Die  Wacht  am  Rhein.      (b)  Deutschland  uber  alles,  Male  voices 

Reuben  Fox  Trot,  Claypoole,  For  dancing 

I  Want  to  Go  Back  to  Michigan — Fox  Trot,  Berlin,  For  dancing 

Come  to  Me,  Heltman,  Contralto  and  Baritone 

Spring  of  Love,  Ehrich,  Violin,  violincello,  flute  and  harp 

Una  noche  de  garufa  Tango,  Arolas 

Adoration,  Borowski,  Violin 

Birthday  of  a  King — Christmas  Song,  Neidlinger,  Baritone 

Girl  from  Utah — The  Music  of  Love,  Rubens,  Soprano  and  tenor 

O  Come,  All  Ye  Faithful — Christmas  Song,  Reading 

Do  the  Funny  Fox  Trot,  Carroll  and  Carroll,  For  dancing 

Ballin'  the  Jack — Fox  Trot,  Smith  and  Europe,  For  dancing 

Roses  Remind  Me  of  Someone,  Schmid,  Tenor 

Hark!  The  Herald  Angels  Sing — Christmas  Song,  Mendelssohn 

(a)  Russian  National  Air  (Lord  God,  protect  the  Czar),  von  Luoff 

(b)  Belgium  National  Air  (La  Brabanconne),  Campenhout 
Rule  Britannia,  Arne,  Band,  Baritone  and  chorus 

It's  a  Long,  Long  Way  to  Tipperary,  Judge  and  Williams,  Baritone 


Joseph  A.  Phillips  and  Chorus 

Walter  Van  Brunt  and  Chorus 

National  Promenade  Band 

Harry  E.  Humphrey 

Charles  Daab 

Elizabeth  Spencer 

National  Promenade  Band 

Arthur  Collins  and  Byron  G.  Harlan 

Manhattan  Quartet 

National  Promenade  Band 

National  Promenade  Band 

Helen  Clark  and  Vernon  Archibald 

Venetial  Instrumental  Quartet 

New  York  Military  Band 

Richard  Czerwonky 

Thomas  Chalmers  and  Chorus 

Marie  Kaiser  and  Reed  Miller 

Edison  Mixed  Quartet 

National  Promenade  Band 

National  Promenade  Band 

Arthur  C.  Clough  and  Chorus 

Edison  Mixed  Quartet 

New  York  Military  Band 
Albert  Farrington  and  Chorus 
Albert  Farrington  and  Chorus 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  NOVEMBER,  1914 


199 


REED  MILLER 

Reed  Miller,  born  in  Anderson,  S.  C,  was  not 
satisfied  with  merely  possessing  an  unusually  clear 
tenor  voice,  but  was  determined  to  become  a  true 
artist.  To  that  end  he  has  studied  under  F.  Powers, 
A.  Mees,  and  Walter  Damrosch.  His  field  of  endeavor 
is  a  vast  one,  including  opera,  oratorio,  and  concert 
work,  and  he  has  appeared  in  the  best  houses  all  over 
the  United  States,  singing  with  the  New  York  Sym- 
phony Orchestra,  and  with  the  Theodore  Thomas 
Orchestra.  He  has  also  sung  at  The  Worcester  and 
Evanston  Festivals,  and  with  the  New  York  Oratorical 
Society,  and  other  organizations  of  similar  character. 

His  repertory  is  necessarily  very  extensive,  and 
includes  much  that  it  would  be  impossible  for  the 
average  tenor  to  present  creditably.  But,  with  his 
conscientious,  untiring  study,  and  his  remarkable 
natural  endowments,  Mr.  Miller  has  been  able  to 
gratify  his  ambition  to  become  one  of  the  foremost 
tenors  of  the  country.  His  voice  is  clear,  perfectly- 
rounded,  tremendously  powerful,  and  holds  expression 
through  the  most  trying  selections. 


REED 

1977 
2004 

1862 

2214 
2106 

1579 

1520 
1991 
1502 


MILLER'S  BLUE  AMBEROL  RECORDS: 
Ah,  Moon  of  My  Delight 

Crucifix,  with  Frank  Croxton 

God  is  Love,  His  Mercy  Brightens,  with  Agnes 
Kimball  and  Frank  Croxton 


A  Little  Love, 
Lost  Chord 
My  Song  Shal 


Little  Kiss 


Agnes  Kimball 

Nita  Gitana 

Praise  Ye — Attila 

Trio    from    Faust. 
Frank  Croxton 


be    Alway    Thy  Mercy,  with 


with    Agnes    Kimball    and 


REED  MILLER'S  DISC  RECORDS: 

80082  Afterwards,  with  Chorus 

Reverse — The      Mocking      Bird.     Elizabeth 
Spencer  and  Walter  Van  Brunt 

82034     Ah,  Moon  of  My  Delight 

Reverse — Where  the  Silvery  Colorado  Wends 
its  Way.     Walter  Van  Brunt 

80083  Bright  Star  of  Love 

Reverse — Norine  Maureen,  John  Young  and 
Frederick  J.  Wheeler 

80111     Farewell  to  Naples 

Reverse — Poor  WTand'ring  One — Marie  Kaiser 

80099  In  Old  Madrid 

Reverse — Good  Bye,  Sweet  Day 

82042     Siciliana — Cavalleria    Rusticana    (In    English) 
Reverse — La  Voce  Di  Donna 

82031     Vesti  La  Giubba— Pagliacci  (In  English) 
Reverse — Evening  Star 

80140    Toreador  Hola 

Reverse — The  Moon   Drops   Low,   Elizabeth 
Spencer. 


SAXTA  FE  SYSTEM  TEACH 

"SAFETY    FIRST"    BY    EDISON 

PHONOGRAPHS 

THE  Santa  Fe  Railway  System  "safety  first" 
logic  will  be  spread  among  Mexican  section  men 
by  a  railroad  motor  car  and  an  Edison  Phono- 
graph started  recently  in  a  seven-passenger  touring  car 
over  the  Santa  Fe  divisions  to  teach  Mexican  workmen 
the  "safety  first"  habit. 

Mr.  Hale's  method  of  obviating  the  difficulty  of  the 
Mexican's  ignorance  of  the  English  language  is  the 
talking  machine.  He  has  prepared  a  nine-minute 
'safety  first"  speech  in  Spanish  which  has  been  recorded 
>r  use  on  an  Edison  Phonograph.  When  the  safety 
:  rst  car  reaches  the  Mexican  settlement  he  will  be  able 
1  d  talk  to  the  men  in  their  language. 

Many  Mexicans  own  Edison  Phonographs.  Mr. 
Hale  will  take  a  long  and  liberal  supply  of  Mexican 
Blue  Amberol  records,  and  when  the  Mexicans  tire  of 
his  "safety  first"  talk  he  will  visit  the  bunk  houses  with 
this  extra  music.  Several  records  of  his  Mexican 
"safety  first"  address  have  been  made  and  these  will 
be  left  for  Mexicans  to  use  on  their  own  machines  until 
they  get  the  importance  of  the  message. 

Mr.  Hale's  speech  asks  the  Mexicans  to  be  more 
particular  about  their  own  safetv.  They  are  very 
reckless  and  many  are  injured  while  at  work.  The 
Santa  Fe  Railroad  believes  this  instruction  will  eventu- 
ally lessen  the  accidents  due  to  carelessness. 

MR    EDISON  A  MODERN 
"ROBINSON  CRUSOE" 

MR.  Edison  is  said  to  be  the  largest  user  of  car- 
bolic acid  in  the  country  in  connection  with 
his  disc  phonograph.  He  has  hitherto  imported 
it  from  England,  as  it  is  not  found  to  an  appreciable 
extent  in  American  coal  tar. 

As  it  is  used  in  the  manufacture  of  high  explosives, 
the  British  Government  has  put  an  embargo  upon  its 
exportation.  But  a  little  thing  like  that  does  not 
faze  the  'Wizard  of  Menlo  Park.'  He  has  produced 
carbolic  acid  or  its  equivalent  by  a  synthetic  process 
which  he  claims  answers  just  as  well. 

There  is  hardly  anything  that  cannot  be  made  in 
America  when  necessity  compels.  WTe  have  depended 
upon  other  countries  for  many  things  because  it  was 
easier  and  perhaps  cheaper  to  get  them  from  abroad 
than  to  produce  them.  But  the  situation  into  which 
we  have  been  forced  may  be  a  revelation  to  ourselves 
and  a  stimulus  to  new  industries  that  would  have  come 
to  us  in  no  other  way. 

Mr.  Edison  is  a  very  convenient  person  to  have  in 

the  country  at  a  time  like  this,  but  he  is  not  the  only 

Robinson  Crusoe  when  we  have  to  depend  upon  the 

discovery  or  the  development  of  our  own  resources." 

{Editorial  in  Boston  Transcript,  Sept.  30,  1914.) 


200 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  NOVEMBER,  1914 


MY  FIRST  ATTEMPT  AT  VOICE  RE- 
CORDING BEFORE  AN  EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH 

By  Percy  Redferne  Hollinshead 

A  SINGER'S  life  is  replete  with  thrills,  triumphs 
and  disappointments;  but  I  greatly  doubt  if 
there  is  any  mental  or  physical  thrill  equal  to 
that  which  comes  to  a  singer  who  hears  his  first  suc- 
cessful record — the  immortalization  of  his  voice  on  the 
tablets  of  time.  Very  few  singers  really  "hear"  them- 
selves sing;  and  very  often  the  timbre,  color,  and  tes- 
situra of  a  voice  sound  much  different  to  a  singer  than 
to  his  auditors.  It  is  therefore  wonderful  to  realize  that 
through  the  medium  of  the  phonograph  an  artist  may 
hear  himself  as  others  hear  him. 

Two  years  ago  I  sang  my  first  trial  record  and  that 
event  is  inscribed  indelibly  on  my  mind.  I  cannot 
describe  the  uncanny  feeling  which  pervaded  my  whole 
being  when,  after  finishing  the  song  required,  I  listened 
to  the  record  in  the  "rough"  (as  it  is  technically 
termed).  The  very  first  note  sent  a  chill  down  my 
spine,  not  unlike  an  electric  shock — the  sound  of  my 
own  voice  seems  eerie  to  me,  so  much  so  that  the 
Recording  Manager  remarked  on  my  sudden  pallor, 
thinking  I  was  going  to  faint. 

Having  received  notice  that  Mr.  Edison  desired  to 
have  a  trial  master  record  of  my  voice,  I  went  to  New 
York,  and  was  introduced  to  the  suavest  and  most 
courteous  of  managers,  Mr.  W.  H.  Miller.  He  escorted 
me  into  the  "trial"  room,  which  seems  to  be  so  de- 
signed that  the  novice's  voice  shall  be  heard  to  the 
greatest  disadvantage.  It  is  a  bare,  barnlike  room, 
devoid  of  furniture,  almost  forbidding  in  aspect,  and 
not  conducive  to  assurance  in  the  singer.  The  record- 
ing machine  was  ensconced  behind  a  wooden  partition 
in  one  corner,  the  horn,  or  funnel,  projecting  into  the 
room,  so  as  to  absorb  every  sound.  An  assistant  gave 
me  a  few  instructive  remarks  about  refraining  from 
coughing  or  clearing  the  throat  during  the  singing, 
since  every  sound  is  irreparably  reproduced  on  the 
wax.  With  far  less  assurance  and  far  more  trepidation 
than  I  should  have  faced  a  large  audience,  I  approached 
this  ominous-looking  funnel;  and  the  pianist  having 
played  the  introduction  with  what  at  first  seemed  to 
be  much  too  loud  and  staccato  manipulation  of  the 
keyboard,  I  started  Kingsley's  "A  Farewell,"  and 
managed  to  finish  the  songs  without  undue  trouble. 

But  terrible  suspense  gripped  my  heart  as  I  followed 
the  unsympathetic  assistant  into  the  next  room  to  hear 
my  new  record.  It  did  not  please  me,  for  I  had  cleared 
my  throat  nervously  during  the  interlude  between  two 
verses.  The  record  was  condemned;  and  I  had  twice  to 
sing  it  over  before  it  was  considered  a  perfect  record. 
Then  I  left  the  smiling  manager,  whose  reassurance 
failed  to  satisfy  my  fears.  The  trial  was  successful, 
however,  for  I  received  a  commission  to  return  to  New 


York  and  sing  master  records  of  two  favorite  songs  oi 
mine.  This  time  I  had  the  assistance  of  the  Edison 
Concert  Orchestra,  a  splendid  aggregation  of  some 
fifteen  first-class  musicians,  whose  inspiration  to  the 
singer  is  incalculable.  And  this  time  I  went  into  the 
chief  recording  room;  in  which  conditions  seemed  much 
more  favorable  from  an  accoustic  point  of  view.  The 
orchestra  was  grouped  about  the  recording  machine  on 
raised  platforms,  forming  a  crescent  round  me.  The 
conductor,  who  stood  on  a  raised  dais,  was  very  exact 
in  his  instructions  to  his  men  as  to  rhythm,  light  and 
shade,  and  attack.  We  commenced  the  song  selected, 
a  Spanish  serenade,  in  which  violin,  flute  and  castenets 
are  orchestrally  featured.  This  time  it  was  much 
easier,  and  I  experienced  genuine  pleasure  in  the 
beautiful  accompaniment  of  musicians  who  were  really 
en  rapport  with  me.  We  were  stopped  several  times 
by  the  conductor,  who  wished  to  correct  faults  or 
improve  effects;  but  in  an  hour's  time  I  had  the  satis- 
faction of  knowing  that  I  had  had  two  master  records 
passed  by  the  formidable  array  of  critics  employed  by 
the  company.  One  had  criticized  articulation,  another 
phrasing,  another  voice  production  and  tone,  while 
another  watched  the  score  very  closely.  I  experienced 
a  thrill  of  joy  when  the  committee  announced  that  my 
records  had  found  favor,  that  the  company  desired  to 
retain  my  services  for  several  years  and  offered  me  an 
exclusive  contract. 

I  have  found  that  several  essentials  are  imperative 
to  the  singing  of  perfect  records.  In  the  first  place, 
the  production  of  tone  of  the  singer  must  be  free  and 
open,  absolutely  devoid  of  throatiness.  The  forward 
nasal  resonance,  diaphragmatic  breathing,  flawless  dic- 
tion— all  these  are  absolutely  necessary.  A  flaw  that 
will  pass  unnoticed  in  concert  becomes  intolerable  after 
its  nth  repetition  in  the  same  place  in  the  machine. 
The  successful  singer  of  records  must  also  remember 
that  personality,  or  stage  presence,  which  is  so  often 
such  a  big  factor  in  the  success  of  concert  singers,  is 
here  not  at  all  in  evidence.  The  singer  must  depend 
on  artistry  of  the  very  highest  type.  He  must  be  sure 
his  tone  is  brilliant,  resonant  and  withal  sympathetic. 

To  insure  this  his  breathing  must  be  well  sustained 
and  diaphragmatic.  He  must,  in  a  word,  use  intelli- 
gence and  expression  far  more  faithfully,  if  possible, 
than  when  he  appears  in  public.  With  all  these  essen- 
tials, I  see  no  reason  why  our  concert  singers  should 
not  find  record  making  as  pleasant  and  satisfying  work 
as  concert  singing. 

In  conclusion,  I  might  say  that  if  there  is  one  vowel 
which  should  be  avoided  by  the  singer  who  would  make 
a  successful  record,  it  is  the  "e"  vowel,  sung  tightly 
on  the  teeth  so  as  to  produce  a  hard,  piercing  tone. 
If  the  singer  will  use  the  French  "e"  or  "eh"  instead, 
he  will  gain  invariable  success,  provided,  of  course,  he 
follows  the  dictates  of  "Bel  Canto." — The  Canadian 
Journal  of  Music. 


I^M^M 


m*  EDISON 


PHONOGRAPH 
MONTHLY 


iiB'riiiiiii imiiimiiimniii 


December,  1914 


»u    hi  iKi    mi   m   m i  m   in  in    mi  in  m  ii.  nu   in    .u 


MARIE  KAISER,  Soprano 

(See  page  212) 


\n  in  ni  ni  m  i»  ui  hi  in  mi  m  m  i i>  in  im  ■■»  <mt  »t,   ih  m  in  m  nt  .n  in*r 


THE    EDISON 
PHONOGRAPH     MONTH LY 

Published  in  the  interest  of 

EDISON  PHONOGRAPHS  AND  RECORDS 

By  THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  Inc. 
ORANGE,  N.  J.,  U.  S.  A. 

THOMAS  A.  EDISON.  LTD..  25  CLERKENWELL  ROAD,  LONDON.  E.  C. 

THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  LTD.,  364-372  KENT  STREET,  SYDNEY,  N.  S.  W. 

COMPANIA  EDISON  HISPANO-AMERICANA,  VIAMONTE  515,  BUENOS  AIRES. 

EDISON  GESELLSCHAFT,  M.  B.  H.  10  FRIEDRICHSTRASSE.  BERLIN. 

COMPAGNIE  FRANCAISE  THOMAS  A.  EDISON,  59  RUE  DES  PETITES-ECURIES,  PARIS. 


Volume  XII 


DECEMBER,  1914 


Number  12 


SOME  "BEFORE  THE  HOLIDAYS" 

SUGGESTIONS  TO  EDISON 

DEALERS 

IT'S  human  nature  to  defer,  to  put  off,  with  the  best 
of  intentions  of  doing  a  thing  thoroughly  when  one 
actually  gets  down  to  it.  But  "time  and  tide  wait 
for  no  man,"  and  so,  to  start  things  going,  right  now, 
before  the  Holiday  rush  comes,  we  are  going  to  venture 
some  suggestions  and  reminders  to  Edison  dealers. 

The  Holiday  Time  in  mind  is  from  now  until  New 
Year's — the  Edison  dealer's  busiest  season.  The 
purpose  of  this  article  is  to  assist  him,  as  far  as  possible 
to  map  out  a  series  of  recitals,  so  that  the  matter,  to  a 
large  extent,  automatically  takes  care  of  itself,  es- 
pecially when  it  must  be  left  to  subordinates. 

There's  no  question  about  the  value  of  recitals; 
they  are  of  the  utmost  importance,  particularly  just 
now.  We  want  to  urge  the  busy  dealer  to  systematize 
the  matter  and  take  it  out  of  the  haphazard  list  of 
doing  things. 

HOW  ABOUT  YOUR  STOCK?— Have  you  placed 
your  Holiday  order  with  your  jobber?  Have  you  taken 
him  into  your  confidence  as  to  the  size  of  order  you 
should  place?  If  not,  better  get  together  and  talk 
things  over  at  once.  "Two  heads  are  better  than  one," 
and  your  jobber  can  certainly  give  you  a  point  of  view 
about  ordering  ahead  now,  that  you,  as  an  individual 
dealer,  cannot  get.  Your  jobber  can  give  you  the 
concensus  of  opinions  from  all  his  dealers.  That's 
worth  having.  When  will  you  arrange  to  talk  with 
your  jobber?  Call  him  up  at  once  and  arrange  a 
conference.     Let  it  be  this  week. 

START  SOMETHING.— Perhaps  you  have  been 
"thinking"  of  advertising  in  your  local  papers.  Perhaps 
you  have  been  "thinking"  of  circularizing  your  best 
class  of  residents.  Perhaps  you  have  been  going  to 
improve  your  recital  facilities.  Whatever  it  is,  let  your 
thinking  now  crystallize  into  action.  Get  about  it. 
START  SOMETHING.  There  will  always  be  a 
sphinx  right  in  front  of  any  move  you  make.     Don't 


wait  for  ihe  sphinx  to  speak  or  move;  move  yourself 
and  take  a  chance.  Better  move  than  find  later  on 
it's  too  late.  Here's  another  topic  to  discuss  with  your 
jobber. 

BREAK  THEM  IN  EARLY.— Every  Holiday 
Season  brings  its  trials  to  the  busy  Edison  dealer  and 
perhaps  the  one  thorn  in  the  flesh  is  the  inexperienced 
help.  They  don't  know  how  to  demonstrate,  how  to 
find  a  record,  how  to  clinch  an  order.  This  year  start 
your  extra  holiday  help  earlier.  Get  them  broken  in. 
You  can  do  it,  even  if  you  do  not  regularly  employ 
by  the  week,  as  yet.  Pick  out  your  help  now  and  let 
the  young  lady  or  young  man  you  select,  get  familiar 
with  the  business  of  demonstrating  your  stock,  etc. 
One  or  two  days  a  week  training,  even  at  night,  will 
be  an  advantage  to  you.  Here's  another  topic  to  talk 
over  with  your  jobber. 


EDISON  AT  THE  BOSTON  PURE 
FOOD  SHOW 

IT  would  be  no  exaggeration  to  say  that  at  least 
five  hundred  thousand  persons  visited  the  unique 
and  interesting  Edison  Building  (shown  on  next 
page)  at  the  Boston  Pure  Food  Show,  held  in  the  great 
Mechanic's  Building,  Boston,  from  October  5th  to  31st. 

This  great  show  draws  its  attractions  not  only  from 
Boston  and  its  surroundings,  or  even  from  New 
England,  alone,  but  from  many  of  the  States,  par- 
ticularly those  in  the  south  and  west  where  several  food 
products  have  their  origin  and  are  prepared  in  palatable 
form  by  manufacturing  concerns  located  South  and 
West. 

The  purpose  of  the  show  is  educational  in  the  broadest 
sense,  so  that  while  at  first  hand  Edison  products  might 
seem  to  have  invaded  a  field  not  wholly  congenial,  on 
second  thought  they  fill  a  very  important  and  valuable 
nitch  in  the  educational  features  which  characterized 
the  Fair. 

The  Fair  drew  its  patrons  not  only  from  localities 
adjacent  to  Boston  but  from  all  New  England,  New 


202 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  DECEMBER,  1914 


203 


THE  EDISON  BUILDING  AT  THE  BOSTON  PURE  FOOD  SHOW 


York  State  and  elsewhere,  and  the  popularity  of  the 
affair  was  evidenced  in  the  enormous  crowds  that  surged 
through  the  great  building  day  and  night  for  nearly 
the  entire  month  of  October. 

The  Edison  Building  was  easily  the  magnet  of  the 
curious,  once  they  were  inside  the  hall.  It  became 
known  as  the  "Edison  House  of  Mystery"  and  well 
deserved  the  epithet  since  several  of  Edison's  latest 
inventions  were  on  exhibition.  There  was  the  Edison 
Diamond  Disc  Phonograph,  with  its  interesting  and 
mysterious  "diamond  point;"  there  were  the  Edison 
Talking  Moving  Pictures,  that  particularly  fascinated 
the  children  and  the  school  teachers,  as  well  as  theatre- 
goers; there  was  "the  telephone  with  a  memory,"  or 
Edison's  Telescribe,  by  which  the  voice  of  one  on  the 
telephone  can  be  automatically  recorded  at  the  receiv- 
ing end  of  the  line — an  invention  that  will  have  a  wide 
and  valuable  field  among  business  men  where  business 
must  be  done  on  the  phone  and  a  record  made  of  the 
conversation;  there  was  the  Edison  Transophone,  a 
device  that  enables  a  typewriter  copyist  to  control  the 
dictating  machine  she  is  listening  to  in  transcribing, 
by  a  push  button  or  key  board.  By  a  slight  touch  she 
can  repeat  the  dictation,  without  interruption  to  her 
work  on  the  typewriter. 

But  readers  of  the  Phonograph  Monthly  are  most 
interested  in  the  exhibit  at  this  Fair  of  the  Cylinder 
and  Disc  types  of  phonographs. 


The  unique  little  building  specially  constructed  by 
the  Edison  interests  for  this  exhibit,  had  a  seating 
capacity  of  three  hundred  and  fifty,  and  by  actual 
demonstration,  a  further  capacity  of  giving  standing 
room  to  three  hundred  more.  Nine  sessions,  or  separate 
"recitals"  we  held  from  morning  till  midnight  and  at 
each  one  the  building  was  taxed  to  its  utmost  capacity, 
so  that  some  5480  persons  heard  the  Edison  Disc  and 
saw  some  of  the  other  wonders  including  the  "talking" 
movies  as  well  as  the  "ordinary"  movies.  During  the 
whole  Fair  over  140,400  persons  were  thus  favored  and 
the  resulting  advertising  was  valuable  and  effective. 

Many  important  sales  were  effected.  Space  was 
found  just  in  the  rear  of  the  Edison  building  for  four 
Edison  dealers.  Those  who  exhibited  were  the  F.  H. 
Thomas  Co.,  Boston;  George  Lincoln  Parker,  Boston; 
Chickering  &  Sons,  Boston;  Shepard,  Norwall  &  Co., 
Boston,  and  the  Sheppard  Store,  Providence,  R.  I. 

Altogether  the  Edison  Building  became  a  well- 
known  landmark  to  all  who  attended  the  Fair  and  a 
pleasant  memory  as  well. 


Mme.  Maleta  Bonconi,  the  noted  violin  virtuoso, 
while  in  Sioux  City  Iowa  recently,  heard  the  Edison 
Diamond  Disc  for  the  first  time.  She  commented 
very  highly  on  its  marvelous  reproducing  powers,  and 
the  perfect  blending  of  its  colors  and  overtones.  Her 
praise  of  the  Edison  violin  selections  was  especially 
flattering. 


204 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  DECEMBER,  1914 


TWO  MORE  NEW  EDISON  ARTISTS 

IN  THE  JANUARY  BLUE  AMBEROL  LIST 


MARIE  MORISSEY 
Contralto 


CHARLES  N.  GRANVILLE 
Baritone 


MARIE  MORRISEY.— To  win  metropolitan  re- 
cognition over  night  was  literally  the  experience  of 
Madame  Marie  Morrisey.  Previous  to  her  appearance 
in  Aeolian  Hall,  New  York,  on  October  30th,  1913,  the 
brilliant  young  contralto  had  been  heard  occasionally 
around  New  York,  while  her  church  singing  in  Brooklyn 
had  brought  her  a  certain  degree  of  prominence. 

Madame  Morrisey  is  a  pupil  of  Dudley  Buck,  under 
whom  she  studied  for  years.  She  proves  in  a  convincing 
fashion  that  a  singer  can  reach  a  high  degree  of  develop- 
ment under  American  tutelage.  She  sings  with  equal 
facility  in  Italian,  German,  French  and  English,  while 
her  repertoire,  considering  the  comparatively  short 
time  she  has  been  before  the  public,  is  a  surprisingly 
extended  one. 

For  five  years  Madame  Morrisey  has  been  leading 
contralto  of  the  St.  Mark's  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
of  Brooklyn.  She  has  sung  with  the  Rubinstein  Club 
and  the  Euterpe  Club,  of  New  York,  the  Arion  Society 
of  Brooklyn,  and  the  Brooklyn  Apollo  Club.  In 
Concert,  Recital  and  Oratorio  she  is  rapidly  proving 
herself  a  singer  of  very  unusual  attainments. 

Madame  Morrisey  makes  her  debut  before  Edison 
audiences  on  Blue  Amberol  Record  2484  entitled 
"Dost  Thou  Know  That  Sweet  Land."  This  is  proba- 
bly the  most  familiar  aria  in  the  opera  of  "Mignon" 
and  is  certainly  one  of  the  finest  melodies  the  composer 
ever  wrote.  It  has  been  a  favorite  for  many  years,  on 
the  operatic  stage  and  in  concert.  Her  voice  and 
manner  of  singing  are  altogether  charming,  and  Edison 
owners  will  be  pleased  to  welcome  her  among  their 
favorites  through  her  beautiful  rendition  of  this  selec- 
tion. 


Her  recent  song  recital  in  New  York  elicited  the 
following  in  the  New  York  American: 

"Contrast  and  variety  were  the  keynotes  of  Miss 
Morrisey's  second  annual  song  recital  which  took  place 
recently  in  New  York.  She  began  her  programme  with 
three  old  Italian  airs,  suave  in  their  melodious  outlines 
and  full  of  simplicity  and  charm.  Miss  Morrisey's 
interpretation  was  delightful  both  from  a  musical 
standpoint  and  in  the  matter  of  diction. 

It  is  a  far  reach  from  the  method  and  manner  of 
ancient  Latin  to  modern  Teuton,  but  the  contralto 
bridged  the  distance  artistically  when  she  next  pre- 
sented Lieder  by  Strauss,  Greig,  Schubert  and  others. 
Her  well-trained  and  mellow  contralto  was  admirably 
illustrated." 

The  audience,  which  was  large,  fashionable  and 
friendly,  also  applauded  liberally  the  singer's  inter- 
pretations of  French  and  English  songs." 


CHARLES  GRANVILLE  is  an  American  trained 
artist  having  received  his  entire  musical  education  in 
this  country.  Among  the  eminent  masters  with  whom 
he  studied  may  be  mentioned  the  world  renowned 
baritone,  Victor  Maurel  whose  pupil  he  was  for  five 
years.  Mr.  Granville  came  into  prominence  two  years 
ago  (1912)  when  he  appeared  in  Recital  at  Aeolian 
Hall  and  was  unanimously  praised  by  the  critics  for  his 
beautiful  voice,  remarkable  diction  and  highly  artistic 
interpretations.  Since  that  time  he  has  appeared  with 
many  leading  musical  societies  and  colleges  in  concert 
and  recital  with  unfailing  success  and  is  now  recognized 
as  one  of  America's  ablest  baritones.  (Blue  Amberol 
Record  No.  2508.) 


THE  EDISON  DIAMOND  DISC 

Matters  of  Special  Interest  to  Disc  Jobbers  and  Dealers 


DEMONSTRATING  THE  EDISON  DISC 
UNDER  DE  LUXE  CONDITIONS 


THE  EDISON  SHOP 

Fifth  Ave.,  between  40th  and  41st  Sts.,  New  York 
Phonograph  Corporation  of  Manhattan,  Proprietors 


ENVIRONMENT  has  much  to  do  with  an  apprecia- 
tion of  all  the  fine  arts.  No  one  of  artistic  sensibi- 
lities, for  instance,  would  think  of  hanging  a  fine 
canvas  where  the  light  could  not  so  strike  it  as  to  enable 
the  beholder  to  view  it  to  the  best  advantage;  neither 
would  he  group  it  indiscriminately  with  other  paintings 
that  might  detract  from  its  favorable  consideration. 

Music,  as  every  one  knows,  belongs  to  the  fine  arts; 
it  appeals  to  the  esthetic  in  our  natures;  its  presentation 
deserves  as  much  consideration  as  a  fine  canvas.  Most 
retail  piano  houses,  especially  those  of  the  progressive 
kind,  have  recognized  the  value  and  sales-force  of  a 
proper  setting  for  their  high  grade  instruments,  and  now 
provide  more  or  less  sumptuous  quarters  in  which  to 
demonstrate  them. 

The  Edison  Diamond  Disc  is  in  the  same  class  as  the 
highest-grade  piano  manufactured;  its  selling  is  a 
proposition  that  calls  for  a  high  grade  of  salesmanship, 
and  in  this  salesmanship  not  only  musical  but  esthetic 
sensibilities  must  predominate.  It  is  not  enough  to  call 
attention  to  its  matchless  tone,  and  stop  there,  expect- 
ing to  make  a  sale  regardless  of  surroundings;  the  eye 
as  well  as  the  ear  is  open  to  a  strong  esthetic  appeal. 

Take  the  Edison  instrument  away  from  other  mer- 
chandise; take  it  away  even  from  its  fellow  instruments 
(so  often  lined  up  in  a  row  like  a  regiment  for  inspection) 
individualize  it;  idealize  its  surroundings,  so  that  the 
drawing  room  as  it  would  appear  with  an  Edison  disc, 
is  all  the  while  in  the  prospect's  eye,  and  you  have 
gained  a  tremendous  advantage  from  a  salespoint  of 
view. 

Looked  at  from  a  commercial  standpoint  "the 
demonstration  of  the  Edison  Disc  under  de  luxe  con- 
ditions" is  a  sound  and  safe  business  proposition.  How 
far  one  can  bank  on  this  "esthetic  factor"  in  its  sale, 
seems  to  be  a  question  that  can  only  be  answered 
according  to  the  faith,  experience,  and  sales-ability  of 
those  who  contemplate  such  a  move.  To  the  salesman 
of  very  limited  experience,  "ethical  surroundings" 
seem  like  a  far-cry;  to  the  more  experienced  salesman, 
particularly  one  who  has  had  a  piano  sales-experience, 
it  greatly  enhances  his  chances  of  reaching  the  well- 
to-do;  but,  to  the  tried  business  man,  whose  actual 
sales-experience  has  proven  its  value,  this  esthetic 
element  is  a  foundation  stone  in  a  successful  business 
career. 

Something  like  these  considerations  inspired  the 
incorporators  of  "The  Phonograph  Corporation  of 
Manahattan"  when  they  decided  to  enter  the  retail 
field  of  New  York  City  with  the  Edison  Disc.     Con- 


205 


206 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  DECEMBER,   1914 


MAIN  RECEPTION  ROOM 
FIRST  FLOOR,  LOOKING  TOWARD  THE  CONCERT  CHAMBER 


siderable  previous  experience  along  these  lines  by  some 
of  the  incorporators  had  already  demonstrated  the 
soundness  of  the  proposition.  They  decided  to  carry 
out  in  the  Metropolis  a  carefully  conceived  and  ad- 
mirably wrought-out  plan,  in  which  the  chief  factors 
would  be:  (1)  abundant  faith  in  the  esthetic  (or  de  luxe) 
presentation  of  the  Edison  Disc;  (2)  equally  great  faith 
in  the  Edison  Disc  alone  as  a  superior  musical  instru- 
ment to  justify  the  large  outlay  involved  and  to  effect  a 
fair  return;  and,  finally  (3)  a  still  greater  faith  in  their 
own  sales  ability  to  interest  and  hold  the  elite  class  they 
decided  to  reach.  Their  enterprise,  it  may  be  affirmed, 
rested  on  these  three  fundamental  propositions.  Let 
us  look  at  the  way  they  went  about  to  execute  it: 

The  selection  of  a  location  was  of  prime  importance. 
Failing  to  find  a  building  as  favorably  located  as  they 
desired,  they  decided  to  build  and  to  make  the  structure 
a  notable  one  in  both  its  exterior  and  interior  aspects.  A 
site  opposite  the  new,  imposing  New  York  Public 
Library  on  Fifth  Avenue,  between  40th  and  41st 
Streets  was  finally  decided  upon.  It  is  in  the  very 
heart  of  the  fashionable  retail  sales-district  today. 


In  the  selection  of  an  architect  they  were  also  espe- 
cially fortunate,  having  secured  the  services  of 
Shape  &  Bready,  New  York.  The  result  speaks  for 
itself  and  redounds  both  to  the  credit  of  the  architects- 
and  to  the  liberality  of  the  incorporators  in  carrying 
out  their  plans. 

The  building  from  its  exterior  is  a  notable  addition? 
to  the  many  beautiful  structures  which  have  recently 
been  erected  in  upper  Fifth  Avenue.  It  is  so  rich  and 
striking  that  the  passer-by  hesitates  involuntarily  and; 
takes  a  second  glance,  for  its  store  front  is  unusuaL 
As  will  be  seen  from  the  illustration,  its  carvings  seen? 
to  have  a  suggestion  of  the  Moorish,  so  familiar  to  us> 
in  the  Alhambra.  There  is  one  great  arch  of  granite- 
terra-cotta,  with  insert  or  panel  of  cream  or  goldr 
finished  in  strong  color  in  relief.  At  night  the  main 
show  window,  which  is  of  very  large  proportions,  is; 
brilliantly  illuminated  with  an  electric  sign  displaying 
the  words:  "Edison  Diamond  Disc." 

Entering  the  door  at  the  left,  one  is  ushered  into  a> 
very  artistic,  imposing  Reception  Room,  with  high 
groined    ceiling,    elaborate    furnishings    and    artistic 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  DECEMBER,  1914  207 


CONCERT  CHAMBER,  FIRST  FLOOR! 


decorations.  The  finishing  is  in  American  walnut,  a 
beautiful  wood,  which,  when  polished,  presents  a  very- 
rich  appearance.  Every  detail  in  the  furnishing  has 
been  studied  with  infinite  care  and  the  harmonious 
effect  is  very  pleasing  to  the  eye.  It  conveys  the  im- 
pression of  a  sumptuous  drawing-room.  The  prevailing 
tone  is  Byzantine.    A  beautiful  large  plate  glass  window 


extending  the  entire  width  of  the  room  looks  out  on 
Fifth  Avenue,  showing  the  classic  Public  Library  in 
the  background — a  picture  in  itself  that  is  in  keeping 
with  the  imposing  interior.  A  number  of  the  finest 
Edison  cabinets  are  on  exhibition  here. 

Leading  directly  from  this  room  in  the  rear,  through 
an  extra  wide  doorway,   is  the  "Concert  Chamber," 


208 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  DECEMBER,  1914 


or  Music  Room,  (shown  in  the  illustration  herewith). 
Here  daily  recitals  are  given  from  10  a.m.  to  5.30  p.m. 
and  it  is  a  matter  of  surprise  to  many  that  this  room  is 
nearly  always  well  filled  with  a  delighted  audience, 
and  in  the  later  part  of  the  afternoon  is  so  popular  a 
feature  that  even  standing  room  is  at  a  premium. 
(An  overflow  Concert  Room  has  been  provided  on  the 
fourth  floor).  The  walls  of  the  Music  Room  are  of 
Travatine  stone,  embellished  with  four  sculptured 
panels  representing  classical  musical  groups,  sur- 
mounted by  a  domed  Byzantine  ceiling.  The  wood- 
work is  all  American  walnut  and  the  chairs  and  other 
furnishings  are  of  the  same. 

In  this  room  (as  throughout  the  building),  special 
attention  has  been  paid  to  acoustics,  sound  proof  walls, 
special  lighting,  ventilating  features  and  every  con- 
trivance for  the  production  of  perfect  harmony  under 
ideal  conditions. 

The  Record  Sales  Room  is  located  on  the  second  floor, 
directly  at  the  exit  from  the  elevator,  and  is  fully 
equipped,  with  an  elaborate  counter  of  black  walnut 
and  spacious  filing  tiers  for  records,  capable  of  holding 
several  hundred  Diamond  Discs. 

To  the  right  of  this  room,  facing  on  Fifth  Avenue  is 
the  Guests'  Parlor,  sumptuously  fitted  up  with  com- 
fortable divans,  rugs  and  easy  chairs  and  finished  in  a 
pale  olive  color  with  white  trim.  The  window  looking 
out  on  the  Public  Library  is  very  large  and  affords  a 
fine  view. 

To  the  left  of  the  Sales  Room  is  a  large  foyer  leading 
to  the  seven  Record  Demonstration  Booths,  or  more 
properly  ''Rooms,"  since  each  is  of  generous  dimensions 
and  enclosed  on  all  sides.  Each  room  is  unique  and 
entirely  different  in  its  wood  finish,  furnishings  and 
electric  lighting  arrangements.  The  sound  proof  quali- 
ties of  each  have  been  given  especial  attention.  Only 
one  Edison  instrument  is  placed  in  a  room,  and  on  this 
records  are  played  for  intending  purchasers.  This 
gives  a  prospect  an  individual  room  to  hear  as  many 
records  as  desired. 

On  the  third  floor  are  the  Executive  Offices,  facing  on 
Fifth  Avenue.  There  is  also,  on  this  floor,  a  spacious 
foyer,  a  General  Sales-Room  and  three  Demonstration 
Rooms,  each  one  the  creation  of  the  artist's  happiest 
moods.  There  is  an  "Ivory  Room,"  where  the  prevail- 
ing tone  is  white  and  light  cream  color;  there  is  a  "Black 
Walnut  Room,"  where  the  entire  room,  including  the 
furniture,  bears  a  rich,  dark  brown  appearance;  and 
there  is  a  "Mahogany  Room,"  equally  rich  and  ex- 
clusive. Every  detail  of  these  rooms,  including  the 
lighting  fixtures,  are  exclusive  in  design  and  especially 
made  for  each  room.  The  effect  is  rich,  chaste  and  rest- 
ful 

The  General  Sales-Room  is  of  good  size,  from  which 
entrance  to  the  above  three  rooms  is  reached.  Here  it  is 
intended  to  present  the  Edison  Disc  Phonograph  to 
purchasers,  and,  needless  to  say,  every  style  of  Edison 
is  represented  and  ready  for  instant  demonstration. 


The  fourth  floor  is  for  an  "Over-flow  Concert  Hall" 
when  the  attendance  becomes  too  large,  (as  it  is 
expected  it  will,  at  holiday  times)  for  the  Concert 
Chamber  on  the  first  floor. 

Such  in  brief  is  the  "Edison  Shop"  in  New  York 
City — the  sumptuous  home  devoted  entirely  to  the 
Edison  Disc. 

The  decorations  throughout  are  the  skilful  creations 
of  Niedecken-Walbridge  Co.,  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  one  of 
the  ablest  in  their  line,  and  it  is  easy  to  see  with  what 
rare  taste  and  judgment  they  have  carried  out  their 
part  of  the  work. 

All  draperies  and  hangings  are  specially  woven  by 
masters  of  their  craft.  All  panels  and  decorations 
are  of  a  character  to  blend  and  harmonize.  There  is 
not  a  single  false  note  in  this  new  temple  of  music. 
Even  the  fresh  air  facilities  in  the  auditorium  and  else- 
where have  been  fully  provided  for  by  a  special  arrange- 
ment in  the  basement  that  acts  automatically  and 
forces  the  air  where  needed. 

The  floor  coverings  are  all  from  Austria  and  carry 
out  the  color  scheme  complete. 

The  throngs  attending  the  concerts  every  day  tend 
to  prove  the  popularity  of  the  new  phonograph  in  its 
new  home. 

The  Phonograph  Corporation  of  Manhattan  also 
maintains  a  wholesale  department  at  443  Broadway 
from  whence  all  shipments  are  made. 


A  COMPLIMENT 

"I  stopped  at  the  'Edison  Shop' at  3.30 one  afternoon 
to  select  records  and  open  an  account.  Every  booth 
on  the  Record  Floor  was  occupied  and  the  Auditorium 
overflowing-.  A  crowd  was  waiting  at  the  doors  to 
enter.  I  wished  again  to  listen  to  the  recital  so  as  to 
judge  of  the  effect  of  the  tones  when  the  room  was  filled. 

"I  did  not  dream  of  seeing  such  an  audience  at  a 
"phonograph"  recital  and  to  my  mind  it  is  ample  proof 
of  the  confidence  and  love  the  public  have  for  Mr. 
Edison  as  'the  father  of  recording  and  reproducing 
sound.'  He  is  as  much  the  father  of  light  (the  incan- 
descent light)  and  of  advancement  ('perfect  music  at 
last')  as  Washington  was  the  'Father  of  his  Country.'  " 
/.  Grant  Pease,  D.D.S.,  New  York. 


"Last    Fall    we  invited    the  representatives    of   the 

Edison    and machines  to  give   a    demonstration. 

This  was  done  and    the  Elk's  Club  Lodge  selected  the 

Edison       We  had  had  a in  the  house  something 

like  three  months,  but  it  was  not  used  very  much.  Since 
replacing  it  with  the  Edison  machine,  it  has  been  used 
almost  continuously  from  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon 
until  twelve  o'clock  at  night  on  week  days  and  about 
ten  o'clock  Sunday  morning  until  ten  o'clock  at  night. 
Everybody  plays  and  enjoys  it.  We  would  not  ex- 
change it  for  any  other  machine  that  we  know  of,  and 
could  not  get  along  without  it." 

Frank  R.  Weeks,  Exalted  Ruler,  Green  Bay   Wis. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  DECEMBER,  1914 


209 


ANNA  CASE  LISTENING  TO  HER  OWN  VOICE  FROM  AN  EDISON  DIAMOND  DISC 


PROVING  EDISON  TONE  BY  THE 
ARTIST'S  VOICE 

CONSIDERABLE  has  been  published  about  the 
fidelity  with  which  the  Edison  Diamond  Disc 
reproduces  a  singer's  voice.  This  was  never 
better  exemplified  than  in  an  incident  that  happened 
while  Anna  Case,  one  of  the  well-known  Edison 
artists,  was  in  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  on  a  concert  tour 
engagement  recently.  Her  reception  there  was  most 
enthusiastic.  We  quote  from  a  letter  from  Harger  & 
Blish,  our  jobbers  at  Des  Moines: 


"You  have  no  doubt  been  informed  of  the  visit  of 
Anna  Case  in  Concert  Recital  at  Des  Moines  on  Mon- 
day last,  and  of  her  most  enthusiastic  reception — in 
fact,  it  was  repeatedly  told  us,  that  she  pleased  her 
audience  even  more  than  Alma  Gluck,  who  is  a  great 
favorite  here. 

"She  sang  in  concert  before  one  of  the  largest  audiences 
ever  assembled  for  a  similar  purpose.  Des  Moines  went 
wild  over  her — applause  after  applause.  One  time  she 
responded  by  sitting  down  to  the  piano  and  playing  her 
own    accompaniment    to    a    dainty    little    song.      Her 


210  EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  DECEMBER  1914 


pleasing  personality  and  wonderful  voice  captured 
everybody.  She  sang  without  an  effort — high  F  above 
C — the  marvel  of  her  audience.  The  clear,  bell-like 
qualities  of  her  voice  were  simply  beautiful. 

"She  was  with  us  about  an  hour.  We  had  previously 
invited  her  over,  which  invitation  she  accepted.  It  was 
when  she  asked  to  hear  her  records,  that  we  received 
our  greatest  surprise. 

"We  put  on  her  record  from  "Louise."  (80119). 
She  listened  a  moment,  then  started  to  sing  the  aria  with 
the  machine.  It  was  truly  wonderful;  the  pitch, 
quality  and  tone  of  the  reproduction  were  perfect,  not  a 
shade  was  lost.  She  would  alternately  start  and  stop 
the  voice,  picking  up  the  aria  here  and  there,  to  show 
its  perfect  true  reproduction.  When  she  approached 
the  high  passages,  its  effect  was  as  though  some  one  was 
operating  the  grand  swell  of  an  organ,  and  muting  it 
when  she  stopped. 

"It  was  the  first  time  that  such  a  demonstration  had 
been  made  here,  and  gave  those  who  heard  her  a  fine 
example  of  an  "absolutely  true  to  life"  reproduction. 
Except  for  its  volume,  it  was  impossible  to  tell  the  voice 
from  the  machine." 


EDISON  ADVER-GRAPHS 

"Stormy  nights  are  now  delights." 
"Makes  'Home  Sweet  Home'  a  sweeter  home. 
"Always  pleasing,  it  never  tires." 
"The  nearest  to  human  voice." 
"An  unfailing  source  of  delight." 
"Makes  dreary  days,  cheery  days." 
"In  every  tongue,  its  song  is  sung." 
"An  owner's  pride,  that's  world  wide." 
"An  investment  that  pays  when  it  plays." 
"City  or  farm,  its  music  will  charm." 
"Maximum  pleasure,  minimum  cost." 
"Mirth  and  song,  the  whole  day  long." 
"Proves  perfection  possible." 


BARKER  BROS.  STOCK  UP  FOR 
CHRISTMAS  TRADE 

WE  give  above  a  photo  of  a  full  car  of  Edison 
instruments  and  records  which  left  the  factory 
October  7th,  destined  to  Barker  Bros.,  Los 
Angeles,  Cal.  In  this  car  lot  were  twenty-five  of 
Model  A-250,  twenty -five  of  A-200,  thirty-five  of  A-150, 
ten  of  B-80,  four  of  C-60  and  1  each  of  A-290  and  A-300. 
The  shipment  was  ordered  in  ample  time  for  holiday 
trade  and  shows  the  confidence  of  one  dealer  to  handle 
a  car  load  and  to  order  earlv. 


THE  EDISON  DISC  THE  ULTIMATE 
CHOICE  OF  THE  HUMBOLT  NOR- 
MAL SCHOOL,  EUREKA,  CAL. 

AFTER  a  competitive  trial  lasting  over  two  weeks, 
the  musical  classes  under  Miss  Rachael  Lathrop 
at  the  Humbolt  Normal  School,  Eureka,  Cal., 
have  unanimously  decided  upon  an  Edison  Disc  over 
all  competitors.  It  was  a  great  victory  for  the  Edison. 
Three  popular  makes  of  talking  machines  were  put  on 
trial,  including  the  Edison  Disc.  One  make  was  not 
given   serious   consideration   after   being  fairly   heard. 

The    other    machine    was    a and     this    stood     a 

chance,  but  that  chance  was  soon  dissipated  when  the 
Edison  Disc  was  heard.  To  give  an  idea  of  how  the 
vote  went,  the  music  class  of  eighty  pupils  voted  one 
day  seventy-seven  for  the  Edison  Disc,  three  for  the 

.    Then  last  week  the  whole  school  voted,  about 

one  hundred  and  forty  in  all.  When  the  ballot  was 
counted  it  stood  one  hundred  and  twenty-two  for  Edi- 
son, seventeen  for  .     This  was  an  average  of 

eight  to  one  in  favor  of  the  Edison.  When  the  final 
vote  was  taken  the  whole  school  stood  up  and  shouted, 
"Hurrah  for  Edison."  The  Eureka  Phonograph  Com- 
pany of  Eureka  conducted  the  experiments  and  sold 
the  Edison  Disc. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  DECEMBER,  1914 


211 


EICKENBERRY  AND  CHRISTOPHER  CO.'S  WINDOW  DISPLAY,  GREENVILLE,  OHIO 


EDISON  NOTES 

V.  E.  B.  Fuller  has  recently  been  added  to  the  sales 
force  of  Thomas  A.  Edison,  Inc.,  to  push  the  sales  of 
the  Edison  phonographs.  Mr.  Fuller  has  had  con- 
siderable experience  in  musical  lines  and  is  well  quali- 
fied to  present  the  Edison  Diamond  Disc  to  music 
discriminating  people. 


George  Chittenden  Turner,  formerly  associated  with 
the  Talking  Machine  World,  has  recently  joined  the 
Edison  sales-force  to  represent  the  Edison  phonograph 
products.  For  the  preset  Mr.  Turner  will  devote  him- 
self to  Edison  interests  in  New  York  and  Brooklyn. 


A  letter  from  Kathleen  Parlow,  one  of  the  Edison 
artists,  states  that  the  European  war  has  completely 
upset  her  plans  for  the  coming  season,  for  she  had 
been  engaged  for  a  number  of  English  and  European 
appearances  under  the  most  important  auspices.  It 
is  more  than  possible  she  will  returp  to  America  this 
winter.  

E.  P.  Huyler  Allen  has  recently  been  added  to  the 
sales  force  of  the  Thomas  A.  Edison.,  Inc.  Mr.  Allen's 
association  in  the  musical  business  has  been  of  such  an 
extensive  nature,  that  he  is  well  qualified  to  fill  the 
position  he  now  holds.  He  is  the  former  general  sales 
manager  of  the  Keen-O-Phone  Company  of  Philadel- 
phia.   Mr.  Allen  has  also  been  associated  in  the  piano 


business  for  a  number  of  years — namely,  the  Aeolian 
Company,  Lauter  Piano  Company  and  Schubert  Piano 
Company.  Mr.  Allen's  success  with  the  new  Edison 
Diamond  Disc  has  already  been  very  marked,  and  he 
is  greatly  encouraged  with  the  reception  that  the  Edison 
Disc  is  given  by  trade. 

The  Riggins  Piano  Company,  well  known  throughout 
southern  New  Jersey  as  a  representative  piano  house, 
with  headquarters  at  Bridgeton,  have  recently  entered 
the  Edison  fold. 

A  HANDSOME~EDISON  window 

One  of  the  most  enterprising  department  stores  in 
the  middle  west  is  that  of  the  Eickenberry&  Christopher 
Co.,  126  to  132  West  4th  St.,  Greenville,  Ohio.  The 
Edison  department  is  well  represented  and  vigorously 
handled.  Recently  a  window  display  of  Edison  goods 
was  decided  upon.  The  illustration  shown  above  does 
not  fully  cover  its  extent,  as  the  window  was  too  large 
to  be  wholly  included  in  the  space  available  here,, 
but  it  reveals  good  display — one  that  attracted  consider- 
able attention.  Greenville  is  proud  of  its  "Mozart 
Department  Store,"  and  the  management  reflects  the 
estimation  the  store  is  held  in  by  giving  the  citizens  a 
thoroughly  up-to-date  establishment  always  on  the 
alert  for  what  is  enterprising.  Their  success  with  the 
Edison  product  has  been  unusual  for  a  department 
store. 


212 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  DECEMBER,  1914 


AGAIN  THE  EDISON  DISC  WINS  IN 
A  COMPETITIVE  SALE 

LOUIS  G.  DU  VALL,  our  enterprising  dealer  at 
Meadville,  Pa.,  writes:  "I  am  mighty  pleased 
to  inform  you  this  morning  that  I  just  closed  a 
sale  yesterday  for  a  Style  250  Edison  Diamond  Disc 
Phonograph  in  competition  with  the  representatives 
of  two  well-known  talking  machine  companies. 

I  made  this  sale  to  R.  W.  Mason  who  came  to  my 
store  on  Thursday,  October  8th,  and  wanted  to  know  if 
I  would  put  an  A-250  in  his  home  in  competition  with  a 

— .     I    told  him  I  certainly  would,  and  I  did  so  at 

once.    When  I  arrived  at  his  home  I  found  not  only  a 

#150  there,    but    a   the    same    priced 

machine  of  another  make.  "Well"  I  said,  "you  have  a 
lot  of  talking  machines  here  and  this  one  I  have  brought 
will  make  a  crowd."  I  said  nothing  more  about  the 
other  machines  but  proceeded  to  instruct  about  the 
Edison  Disc  and  left  him  to  decide  for  himself. 

The  two  talking  machines  (of  course  you  could  not 
call  them  anything  else)  and  my  Edison  Disc,  the  only 
musical  instrument  in  the  crowd,  were  all  left  there  for 
eleven  days.  You  may  think  this  is  a  long  time  for  any 
one  to  decide,  and  it  is,  but  it  did  not  take  this  long, 
they  made  their  decision  inside  of  twenty-four  hours 
and  made  it  in  favor  of  the  Edison.  Yet  they  did  not 
fancy  the  cabinet  of  the  A-150  and  still  did  not  want 
to  pay  over  $IS0.  However  I  went  after  them  for  a 
higher  priced  one  and  finally  sold  them  an  A-250. 

The  representatives  of  the  two  talking  machines 
knocked  the  Edison  Disc  for  all  they  were  worth,  but 
their  knocking  did  no  good.     I  did  no  knocking  at  all 

but  I  know  more  about  the and  the than 

they  did  and  I  only  explained  the  difference  and  gave 
them  nothing  but  cold  facts.    I  won  out  with  hands  up 

(you  know  I  am  a dealer)  and  the  Masons  told 

me  that  even  if  they  had  decided  on  a  they 

would  have  bought  it  of  me  as  my  salesmanship  was 
far  superior  to  the  other  two  dealers'  methods  of  doing 
business.  How  important  it  is  to  know  something  about 
other  machines  also. 


MARIE  KAISER 

A  WESTERN  girl,  being  born  in  the  State  of 
Kansas  of  Holland  Dutch  parentage,  she  is 
well  known  throughout  the  west  having  sung  in 
concert  in  all  the  states  clear  to  the  coast.  She  first 
studied  with  Mrs.  Jennie  Schultz  of  Kansas  City,  the 
best  known  singing  teacher  in  the  west.  She  is  prom- 
inent also  as  an  oratorio  singer,  having  worked  in  this 
branch  with  Charles  Baker  of  New  York  and  Emil 
Mollenhauer,  the  eminent  and  well-known  conductor 
and  coach  of  Boston,  Mass.  In  addition,  Miss  Kaiser 
is  a  soloist  in  the  choir  of  Temple  Bethel  of  New  York, 
and  of  the  Calvary  Methodist  Church  of  East  Orange, 
New  Jersey,  a  fashionable  suburb  of  New  York  City.  A 
brilliant  future  has  been  predicted  for  this  young  artist. 


BLUE  AMBEROL  RECORDS  BY  MARIE  KAISER: 

2185 — Beautiful  Birds,  Sing  On,  with  bird  imitations 

by  Joe  Belmont. 
2226 — Love  Divine,   All  Love   Excelling,   with  Royal 

Fish,  tenor. 
1829— See  Down  by  the  Old  Mill  Stream. 
2116 — Sunlight — Waltz  Song. 

2015— Villanelle— Oft  Have  I  Seen  the  Swift  Swallow. 
2477 — The  Music  of  Love — The  Girl  from  Utah,  with 

Reed  Miller  tenor. 

EDISON  DISC  RECORDS  BY  MARIE  KAISER: 

80124 — In  Turn  What  Sayest  You?     (Maritana)    with 

Vernon  Archibald,  tenor. 
80105 — Italian  Street  Song — Naughty  Marietta,  with 

chorus. 
80103 — Juliet's  Waltz  Song,  Romeo  and  Juliette. 
80121— On  Yonder  Rock  Reclining,  with  Royal  Fish, 

tenor. 
80111 — Poor    Wand'ring    One — Pirates    of    Penzance, 

with  chorus. 
80088 — Roses  Everywhere,  with  Royal  Fish,  tenor. 
50094 — There  is  no  Love  Like  Mine,  with  Royal  Fish, 

tenor. 
82044-  -Your    Pardon,    Darling,    Forgive    Me,    with 

Vernon  Archibald,  baritone. 


A  WELL-KNOWN  NEW  YORK  LAW- 
YER CONSIDERS  THE  EDISON 
DISC  "ABSOLUTELY  PERFECT 
IN  EVERY  DETAIL" 

AMONG  the  many  very  flattering  letters  recently 
received,  we  would  like  to  quote  the  following 
written   by  A.   J.   Dittenhoefer,   of  the   firm   of 
"Dittenhoefer,  Gerber  &  James,"  well-known  lawyers 
in  New  York: 

"I  am  taking  the  liberty  to  tell  you  that  I  witnessed 
the  private  exhibition  and  listened  with  interest  and 
pleasure  to  the  wonderful  new  Edison  Disc.  To  me, 
it  seems  absolutely  perfect  in  every  detail — and  the 
crowning  achievement  in  Mr.  Edison's  wonderful  work." 


The  Pearson  Piano  House,  known  all  over  the  coun- 
try as  the  leading  piano  concern  of  Indiana,  with  head- 
quarters at  Indianapolis,  has  joined  the  Edison  Disc 
phonograph  ranks  the  past  month.  They  have  con- 
structed one  of  the  finest  demonstration  departments 
anywhere  in  the  West,  especially  to  exploit  the  Edison 
Disc,  as  "an  instrument  de  luxe."  They  also  carry 
other  lines  of  talking  machines,  but  have  concentrated 
this  fall  on  the  Edison,  with  which  they  are  very  much 
in  love.  To  the  Kipp-Link  Phonograph  Co.,  Indiana- 
polis, belong  the  honor  of  bringing  the  house  into  the 
Edison  household. 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  DECEMBER,  1914 


213 


CONCERT  WORK  BY  THE  DEALER 
ALL  IMPORTANT 

By  Frank  E.  Bolway,  Jr. 
of  Frank  Bolway  &  Son 

CONCERT  work,  in  our  estimation,  is  the  key  note 
to  success  in  selling  the  Edison  instrument  and 
records.  Perhaps  many  dealers  do  not  fully 
appreciate  its  importance.  To  our  way  of  thinking 
it  is  the  "meat  in  the  kernel"  so  far  as  results  are  con- 
cerned, and  where  faithfully  followed  with  diligent 
attention  to  the  comfort  and  enjoyment  of  those  who 
attend,  it  must  produce  big  results;  in  fact  we  know  it 
has  produced  big  results  for  us.  In  many  ways  we  look 
upon  concert  work  as  the  cream  of  all  kinds  of  advertis- 
ing— newspaper,  circulars  and  calls  upon  prospects — for 
it  demonstrates  and  satisfies  where  all  other  forms  only 
awaken  an  interest. 

Not  only  are  we  ourselves  enthusiastic  believers  in 
concert-work,  but  we  preach  it  and  teach  ic  to  every 
dealer  we  serve.  We  are  willing  to  go  out  of  our  way  to 
facilitate  this  kind  of  demonstration. 

Many  people — many  dealers,  in  fact — seem  to  think 
the  month  of  July  too  hot  for  concert  work,  yet  one  of 
the  most  successful  openings  ever  held,  was  held  right 
here  in  our  rooms  last  July.  But  we  planned  for  it,  and 
gave  those  who  came  a  real  treat — one  worth  hearing. 

Just  here,  we  believe,  is  where  so  many  dealers  fall 


down — they  don't  make  adequate  preparation — they 
don't  go  far  enough;  they  fail  to  get  enthusiastic  over 
it,  and  therefore  fail  to  enthuse  those  who  attend. 
The  way  is  to  get  at  it  with  a  vim  and  determination. 

Secure  some  outside  talent;  decorate  the  room;  wear 
other  than  shop  clothes,  and  put  an  air  of  distinction 
and  success  into  it.  Remember  one  thing — a  concert 
well  given  will  be  talked  about  by  every  one  present, 
and  your  attendance  at  the  next  one  will  increase  and 
the  following  one  after  that  will  be  crowded.  It's  the 
inevitable  experience  of  those  who  go  at  Concert  Work 
in  a  generous  whole-hearted  spirit. 

After  a  recent  concert  we  received  a  note  that  read 
like  this:  "I  never  dreamed  of  seeing  such  a  crowd  at  a 
phonograph  concert,  and  yet,  after  listening,  I  could 
not  help  but  feel  that  I  had  enjoyed  a  genuine  treat." 
Those  are  the  kind  of  testimonials  that  nerve  us  on  to 
greater  things  in  Concert  Work. 

In  conclusion,  let  me  urge  every  Edison  dealer  right 
now  before  the  Holidays  to  go  strong  on  Concert 
Work.    It's  the  best  form  of  advertising — it's  the  cream. 


Story  &  Clark  Piano  Company,  1107  Olive  Street, 
St.  Louis,  Mo.,  is  the  latest  of  the  Story  &  Clark  chain 
of  stores  to  add  the  Edison  Disc  to  their  line  of  pianos. 
At  this  store  they  will  make  a  special  feature  of  the 
Edison  Department,  which  has  proven  so  great  a 
success  at  their  warerooms  in  other  cities. 


BLUE  AMBEROL  LIST  FOR  JANUARY 

REGULAR    LIST 

50  cents  each  in  the  United  States;  65  cents  each  in   Canada 

2484  Dost  Thou  Know  That  Sweet  Land?  (Connais  tu  le  pays) — Mignon,  Thomas,  Contralto     Marie  Morrisey 

2485  The  Boat  with  My  True  Love's  Name,  Coe,  Contralto  and  baritone       Helen  Clark  and  Vernon  Archibald 

2488  By  the  Setting  of  the  Sun,  Gear,  Tenor  Walter  Van  Brunt 

2489  Meadowbrook  Fox  Trot,  Kraus,  For  dancing  National  Promenade  Band 

2490  I'm  Goin'  Back  to  Louisiana,  Keithley,  Tenor  Billy  Murray  and  Chorus 

2491  When  the  Green  Leaves  Turn  to  Gold,  White,  Soprano  and  Tenor    Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Walter  Van  Brunt 

2492  Lu  Lu-Fado,  Milano,  For  dancing  National  Promenade  Band 

2493  My  Dream  of  Dreams — Pretty  Mrs.  Smith,  Carroll  and  Robyn,  Soprano  Marie  Kaiser 

2494  Fairest  Rose  Waltz,  Engelmann,  Xylophone  Charles  Daab 

2495  Mrs.  Sippi,  You're  a  Grand  Old  Girl — Pretty  Mrs.  Smith,  Ashlyn,  Contralto  and  Tenor 

Helen  Clark  and  Billy  Murray 

2496  Girl  from  Utah — One-step,  Kern,  For  dancing  National  Promenade  Band 

2497  When  the  Roses  Bloom,  Reichardt,Tenov  and  soprano   Emory  B.Randolph,  Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Chorus 

2498  Comfort  Ye,  My  People— Messiah,  Handel,  Tenor  Reed  Miller 

2499  Ev'ry  Valley  Shall  Be  Exalted— Messiah,  Handel,  Tenor  Reed  Miller 

2500  Leave  Me  to  Languish — Recitative  and  Aria  from  Rinaldo,  Handel,  Soprano  Adelaide  Fischer 

2501  California  and  You,  Puck,  Tenor  Billy  Murray  and  Chorus 

2502  Love's  Melody,  Daniderff,  Soprano  and  tenor  Elizabeth  Spencer  and  Emory  B.  Randolph 

2503  Ta-Tao — One-Step  (Chinese  Dance),  Penn,  For  dancing  National  Promenade  Band 

2504  La  Boheme  Waltz  Song,  Puccini,  Whistling  Guido  Gialdini 

2505  Vulcan's  Song,  Gounod,  Basso  T.  Foster  Why 

2506  Weber's  Last  Thought — Fantasia  for  Cornet,  Weber,  Cornet  Gustav  F.  Heim 

2507  I  Want  to  Go  Back  to  Michigan — Fox  Trot,  Berlin,  Tenor  Billy  Murray  and  Chorus 

2508  (a)  Yesterday  and  Today,  Spross;  (b)  Because,  d'Hardelot,  Baritone  Charles  N.  Granville 

2509  Come  Back  to  Me,  Hayzvard,  Contralto  Mary  Jordan  and  Chorus 

2510  When  the  Ebb-Tide  Flows,  Gordon,  Male  voices  Knickerbocker  Quartet 


214 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  DECEMBER,  1914 


Frank  E.  Bolway  &  Son 

Edison  Distributors,  Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  Oswego,  N.  Y. 


Ceorcfe  A  Coleman. 
M$c  Syracuse  Branch. 


EDISON  CYLINDER  AND  DISC  PHONOGRAPHS 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  DECEMBER,  1914 


215 


WHO'S  WHO  AMONG  EDISON  JOBBERS 

TWELFTH    ARTICLE 


FRANK  E.  BOLWAY  &  SON 

Jobbers  in  Edison  Disc  and  Cylinder  Instruments  and  Records 


SYRACUSE,  N.  Y. 
325  West  Fayette  St. 


ESTABLISHED  1889. 


OSWEGO,  N.  Y. 
32-34  West  Bridge  St. 


PURCHASING  one  small  bras6-horn  phonograph 
and  twenty  records  marked  the  beginning  of  the 
present  firm  of  Bolway  &  Sons  in  1896.  This 
machine  was  the  first  Edison  retailed  in  Oswego.  They 
had  a  table  in  the  rear  of  their  grocery  store,  at  that 
time,  and  there  they  "demonstrated"  what  the  Edison 
could  do.  They  worked  along  this  way  gradually 
increasing  their  retail  department  until  they  gave  up 
half  of  their  entire  floor  space  to  the  Edison  line. 

All  this  was  accomplished  while  the  old  wax  records 
were  on  the  market,  and,  at  that  time,  they  were  not 
in  cartons,  but  done  up  in  cotton  cloth.  The  reproducer 
then  in  use  was  the  old  model  "B"  with  a  glass  diaphragm 
with  sapphire  point. 


In  1904  the  firm  became  Edison  Jobbers  and  this  was 
while  the  two-minute  Edison  wax  record  was  all  the  go. 
Constantly  enlarging  their  floor  space  devoted  to 
Edison  products,  they  kept  growing  and  growing  until 
the  amount  of  room  needed  by  the  phonograph  interests 
was  over  four  times  as  great  as  the  combined  floor  space 
devoted  to  all  other  lines. 

In  1913  the  firm  qualified  as  Edison  Disc  Jobbers, 
being  the  only  appointed  Disc  Jobbers  in  the  entire 
State  of  New  York.  In  this  same  year  the  jobbing  end 
of  the  business  was  moved  to  Syracuse,  and  from  that 
point  they  now  conduct  the  whole  end  of  the  business. 

It  has  always  been  the  policy  of  the  firm  of  Frank  E. 
Bolway  &  Son  to  carry  a  large  and  complete  line;  in 


THE  BOLWAY  BOOTH,  HELD  AT  NEW  YORK  STATE  FAIR,  SYRACUSE,  N.  Y.,  SEPTEMBER,  1914. 


216 


EDISON  PHONOGRAPH  MONTHLY,  DECEMBER,  1914 


fact  they  carry  today  one  of  the  largest  stocks  of  Edison 
goods  in  the  Eastern  States,  and  employ  a  force  of 
twenty-one  persons. 

It  is  another  distinctive  policy  of  the  house  to  give 
both  the  dealer  and  the  purchaser  an  accurate,  prompt 
and  efficient  service.  To  this  end  they  constantly  seek 
to  improve  their  methods  of  doing  business  and  of 
expediting  shipments.  The  reward  for  these  efforts 
seems  to  have  been,  "more  business"  and  still  more 
business,  so  that  the  house  today  is  a  most  important 
factor  in  the  wholesaling  and  retailing  of  Edison 
products  in  Central  and  Northern  New  York. 

When  the  firm  took  up  the  handling  of  the  Edison 
Disc  last  year,  they  planned  what  proved  to  be  a  most 
successful  "Opening."  Their  Concert  Demonstration 
Room  was  crowded  to  the  door,  many  not  being  able 
to  gain  admittance.  This  was  certainly  a  record  break- 
ing attendance  for  July.  A  quartette  was  specially 
engaged  and  brought  to  Syracuse  for  the  purpose;  the 
singers  were  all  professional,  and  they  were  heard 
alternately  with  Edison  Disc  selections. 

The  occasion  advertised  them,  and  the  Edison  Disc 
very  effectively  resulted  in  several  sales.  These 
concerts  were  continuous  afternoons  and  evenings,  for 
an  entire  week  and  to  the  cumulative  effect  of  them, 
they  owed  much.  This  method  was  not  a  new  one 
with  them,  for  they  have  always  been  strong  converts 
to  the  idea  of  Edison  Concerts. 


TWO   MONKEYS   MAKE  LOVE  AND 

THEIR  VOICES  ARE  RECORDED 

(OR,  ARE  SUPPOSED  TO) 

THE  Aba  Daba  Honeymoon"  is  a  record  that  for 
real  novelty  has  hardly  ever  been  equalled.  The 
tune  is  irresistible;  the  words  of  the  chorus  as 
you  will  notice,  consist  mostly  of  "Aba  Daba"  and 
kindred  syllables — monkey  talk  which  alternate  lines 
translate  into  English.  After  the  second  verse  comes 
a  "monkey  dance."  Every  known  adjunct  to  the 
modern  orchestra  for  making  sounds  is  employed,  ancj 
every  freak  noise  the  human  voice  is  capable  of  is  made 
by  the  enthusiastic  singers.  Considerable  uproar  was 
occasioned  in  the  Recording  Laboratory  when  this 
record  was  made,  for  everybody  in  the  place  wanted 
to  get  in  it.  And  judging  by  the  sound  of  this  finished 
product,  nearly  everybody  did!  By  Arthur  Collins 
and  Byron  G.  Harlan.  (Edison  Disc  Record  50192 — 
Edison  Blue  Amberol  Record  2468.) 


WANTED 


Position  with  an  Edison  jobbing  house  as  Manager 
of  their  Phonograph  Department,  by  a  reliable  man 
having  several  years  practical  knowledge  of  the  busi- 
ness and  if  necessary  can  also  repair  all  types  of  Edison 
machines.  The  best  of  references  can  be  supplied. 
Address,  Manager,  care  of  Edison  Phonograph  Monthly, 
Orange,  N.  J. 


Lansing   Khaki  Moving  Cover 


E.   H.  LANSING, 

Manufacturer 


is  the  only  safe  protection  that  a  dealer 
can  use  for  wrapping  machines  for  local 
shipment.  It  gives  protection  against 
DUST,  FINGER  PRINTS,  BRUISES, 
SCRATCHES  and  HEAT  and  COLD. 

It  is  the  same  as  packing  each  machine 
or  record  cabinet  in  four  thicknesses  of 
heavy  felt,  with  cotton  flannel  on  the  in- 
side to  keep  the  varnish  surfaces  right, 
and  government  Khaki  on  the  outside  to 
insure  wearing  durability  of  the    cover. 

You  are  saved  the  bother  and  expense 
of  refinishing  each  cabinet,  so  that  cost 
of  cover  is  soon  earned. 

Edison  Dealers  can  order  of  their  Job- 
bers, most  of  whom  carry  it,  or  write  to 


Our  No.  6  Booklet 
Gives_  Full  Details. 


611  Washington  St., 
BOSTON,   MASS.